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Growth response of an estuarine diatom (Melosira nummuloides (Dillw. )Ag. ) to UV-B (290-320 nm) radiation

Journal Article · · Estuaries; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1351937· OSTI ID:5409822
An increase in the transmission of solar radiation in the UV-B region (specifically, 290 to 320 nm) is expected to occur as a result of anthropogenic degradation of stratospheric ozone. The potential impact of increased levels of UV-B radiation upon the biosphere is of ecological concern. In a previous study a community of estuarine organisms received a daily exposure to a simulated solar spectrum enhanced in UV-B radiation for a period of six weeks. A dominant species of diatom growing at the surface of these communities were isolated and identified to be Melosira nummuloides. Short chains of this diatom were irradiated for a four-hour period on each of three consecutive days. Fluorescent sunlamps filtered by a 290 mm cut-off filter (0.13 to 0.50 mm cellulose acetate) or a 315 nm cut-off filter (0.13 mm Mylar S) provided a range of fluence which closely approximated natural fluence levels. A least squares regression analysis of the number of cell divisions on the biologically weighted fluence indicated a significant depression in the growth of this scies by radiation in the 290 to 320 nm waveband.
Research Organization:
Oregon State Univ., Corvallis
OSTI ID:
5409822
Journal Information:
Estuaries; (United States), Journal Name: Estuaries; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN ESTUD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English