IS THERE A COMMON RESPONSE TO ULTRAVIOLET-B RADIATION BY MARINE-PHYTOPLANKTON

Global increases in ultraviolet-B radiation (UVBR) have the potential to alter marine primary production and to affect carbon cycles and marine trophic dynamics. Estimates of UVBR induced photoinhibition have varied greatly, indicating that a common dose-response by marine phytoplankton may not occur from place to place. An action spectrum describing the wavelength specific effects of UVBR on carbon fixation was determined by comparing responses of phytoplankton exposed to natural and artificial UVBR sources. Application of this new action spectrum to data presented here, as well as data reported previously, indicates that a common photoinhibitory response to UVBR may occur for exposures of several hours.