Importance of ultraviolet radiation in photoinhibition of microalgal growth
Algae vary greatly in their long term ability to adapt to levels of natural solar ultraviolet radiation encountered near the surface of the sea. Photosynthetically active radiation (where PAR is defined as quantum flux between 400 and 700 nm) produced little or no growth inhibition even at full surface intensity. In some species the capacity to tolerate intense PAR did not carry into the range of UV-A (315-400 nm) or of UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) or both. Photo-inhibition became increasingly severe above 20% of surface intensity among the species sensitive to UV radiation. PAR flux in excess of that required for maximum growth was not inhibitory, but rather the higher levels of associated UV radiation reduced growth rate. These results support a previous suggestion that other molecules besides chlorophyll sensitize or shield algae in the UV portion of the solar spectrum.
- Research Organization:
- Hawaii Inst. of Marine Biology, Kaneohe
- OSTI ID:
- 6629013
- Journal Information:
- Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Vol. 29:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ALGAE
INHIBITION
SENSITIVITY
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION
CHLOROPHYLL
PLANT GROWTH
SEAS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GROWTH
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYTOCHROMES
PIGMENTS
PLANTS
PORPHYRINS
RADIATIONS
SURFACE WATERS
560131* - Radiation Effects on Microorganisms- Basic Studies- (-1987)