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U.S. Department of Energy
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Photosynthethic carbon reduction by seagrasses exposed to ultraviolet b radiation. Final technical report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5637073
The species of seagrasses were selected on the basis of their dominance in the marine system, contribution to total productivity, and importance to the life histories of organisms in the Indian River lagoon system along the central Florida east coast. The three seagrasses were Halophilia engelmannii, Halodule wrightii, and Syringodium filiforme. These seagrasses form an excellent experimental system as their areas of dominance fall more or less along a natural gradient of UV-B and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) penetration. The sensitivity of photosynthesis in the seagrasses was determined and their photosynthetic response to levels of UV-B simulating atmospheric ozone depletion was monitored. Further experiments explore the possible attenuation or repair of UV-B induced photosynthetic inhibition by PAR, the role of epiphytic growth upon seagrasses as a protective UV-B shield, and the inhibition of photosynthesis in response to UV-A is studied.
Research Organization:
Florida Inst. of Tech., Melbourne (USA). School of Science and Engineering
OSTI ID:
5637073
Report Number(s):
N-79-21742
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English