Photochemical responses of three marine phytoplankton species exposed to ultraviolet radiation and increased temperature: Role of photoprotective mechanisms

HALAC, S. R.; V. E. VILLAFAÑE; R. J. GONÇALVES; E. W. HELBLING

JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY

ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 141 p. 217 - 227

1011-1344

We carried out experiments using long term (5-7 days) exposure of marine phytoplankton species to solar radiation, in order to assess the joint effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and temperature on the photochemical responses and the photoprotective mechanisms. In the experiments, done during the austral spring-summer of 2011 at Patagonia coast (43° 18.7´S; 65°2.5´W), we used three species as model organisms: a dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans, a chlorophyte Dunaliella salina and a haptophyte Isochrysis galbana. They were exposed under: 1) two radiation quality (RQ) treatments (by using different filters): P (PAR, >400 nm) and PAB (PAR + UV-A + UV-B, >280 nm); 2) two radiation intensities (100 and 50%) and 3) two experimental temperatures: 18°C and 23°C during summer and 15°C and 20°C in spring experiments, simulating a 5°C increase under a scenario of climate change. In addition, short-term (4 h) artificial radiation exposure experiments were implemented to study vertical migration mechanism using pre- and non solar radiation acclimated cells. There were differential species-specific responses: P. micans displayed a better photochemical performance and a lower inhibition induced by UVR than D. salina and I. galbana. In accordance, P. micans was the only species that showed a synthesis of UV-absorbing compounds (UVACs) during the experiment. On the other hand, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was activated in D. salina at noon throughout the whole exposure, while I. galbana did not show a regular NPQ pattern. This mechanism was almost absent in P. micans. Regarding vertical migration, I. galbana showed the most pronounced displacement to deepest layers since the first two hours of exposure in pre- and non acclimated cells, while only non acclimated D. salina cells moved to depth at the end of the experiment. Finally, temperature partially counteracted solar radiation inhibition in D. salina and I. galbana, whereas no effect was observed upon P. micans. In particular, significant UVR and temperature interactive effects were found in I. galbana, the most UVR sensitive species. How the joint UVR and temperature effects and the photoprotective responses will affect the trophodynamics and production of aquatic ecosystems is still uncertain, but the specificity of the responses suggests that not all phytoplankton would be equally benefited by temperature increases therefore affecting the balance and interaction among species in the water column.