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ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOBIOLOGY
Citation:
Hansen, L J. ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOBIOLOGY. Presented at Presented at NHEERL Post-Doc Symposium, Research Triangle Park, NC, November 2-3,1999.
Description:
Environmental aquatic photobiology is most commonly known for its links to global climate change. Ozone depletion is, however, not the only factor that alters the effects of ultraviolet radiation on biological systems. Alterations in water clarity, by acidification, reduced dissolved organic matter and local temperature changes, can increase the historic irradiance within a waterbody. Additionally environmental stresses, such as metals, polycyclic aromatic hycrocarbons, pesticides and reduced pH can interact synergistically with ultraviolet radiation to compound adverse effects. Research in photobiology at GED is largely centered on the effects of UV radiation on coral from the Florida Keys. Next year the project will expand to look at interactions between UV and temperature in the induction of bleaching, physiological alterations and DNA damage. This project involves both field dosimtery and laboratory exposures in a solar simulator. Additional explorations in environmental photobiology involve laboratory validation of field experiments examining the effects of UV on declining amphibian populations.