National Pukyong University Busan Green Environment Support Center and Korea Rural Community Corporation Ulsan Branch Sign Business Agreement

Cooperation for Reducing Algal Blooms and Improving Water Quality

The Busan Green Environment Support Center at National Pukyong University (Center Director Lee Taeyoon) and the Ulsan Branch of Korea Rural Community Corporation (Branch Manager Son Hongmo) signed a "Business Agreement for Cooperation on Reducing Algal Blooms and Improving Water Quality" at the Marine Joint Research Building of National Pukyong University on July 3.

Center Director Lee Taeyoon (left) and Branch Manager Son Hongmo are posing for a commemorative photo after the agreement. Photo by National Pukyong University

Through this agreement, the two organizations will establish a mutual cooperation system to address water pollution and the spread of algal blooms caused by climate change. They also agreed to cooperate on regional environmental conservation by exchanging technology, information, personnel, and resources.

The main points of the agreement include: joint research and application of technology for algal bloom removal and water quality improvement; development of practical solutions to address algal bloom issues in reservoirs in the Ulsan and Busan regions; identification and support of environmental companies with algal bloom removal technologies; linkage of social contribution activities such as education and campaigns on agricultural waste management; and other cooperative matters necessary for water quality management.

On this day, Center Director Lee Taeyoon (Dean of the College of Environment and Ocean at National Pukyong University) gave a presentation at the signing ceremony on "Development of Water Purification Technology Using Solar Power for Improving Water Quality in Urban Streams in Busan." He shared the results of demonstration experiments on photocatalyst-based water purification technology, which attracted attention as an effective case of algal bloom removal through the installation of photocatalyst filters.

Lee Taeyoon emphasized, "As the center is also conducting research on the development of technologies related to algal bloom removal this year, we will take the lead in contributing to solving algal bloom problems in reservoirs managed by the Korea Rural Community Corporation and in creating a sustainable urban environment where nature and cities coexist."

Son Hongmo stated, "Among the 90 reservoirs under the branch's jurisdiction, we will cooperate especially to solve problems that may arise in small-scale retention basins, which are particularly difficult to manage. By combining Korea Rural Community Corporation's experience in water resource management with the environmental technology capabilities of the Busan Green Environment Support Center, we will work to improve water quality in Busan and Ulsan so that local residents can enjoy a safe water environment."

With this agreement as a starting point, the two organizations plan to establish an effective cooperation model by linking technological and institutional foundations and to begin full-scale, sustainable cooperation to improve water quality and address algal bloom issues in the local water systems.