Effects of increased ultraviolet radiation on pond microorganisms.

Abstract

The depletion of the stratospheric ozone (O3) layer has allowed shorter, more destructive wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth. These harmful rays have the potential to decrease productivity of marine organisms in the upper portion of the photic layer. There is concern that the dynamics of an aquatic ecosystem could be negatively affected. The results of a three week investigation in the spring of 1993 indicated that as pond microorganisms were subjected to UVC: (i) their absolute abundances differed from the controls and (ii) UVC inhibition of photosynthesis increased.