Ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion: studies in aquatic systems of the Patagonia region, South America

VIRGINIA VILLAFAÑE,; WALTER HELBLING,; HORACIO ZAGARESE

AMBIO

Año: 2001 vol. 30 p. 112 - 117

0044-7447

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280 - 400 nm) is known to cause a number of detrimental effects in aquatic organisms.  The Patagonia region is SOMETIMES under the influence of the Antarctic ozone “hole”, receiving temporarily (OCASIONAL) enhanced levels of ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B, 280 - 315 nm).  In Addition, Patagonia This provides a very interesting scenario OPORTUNITIES to carry out photobiological studies due to the large variety of marine and freshwater water bodies.  Several funding agencies have put efforts to set a database for the UVR climatology in the region by installing a variety of instruments in several localities.  However, not comparable effort has been made to determine the impact of normal and enhanced levels of solar UVR upon diverse organisms of Patagonia.  At present, most of the photobiological research in the Patagonia region has focused in determining the effects of solar UVR in phytoplankton photosynthesis and DNA damage, and mortality, fecundity and repair mechanisms in zooplanktonic species.  Some work has also been done with fish larvae and interactions between species at lower levels of the aquatic trophic web.  Future needs for UVR studies in aquatic systems of the Patagonia region should include more research on the impact of both normal and enhanced levels of solar UVR upon key species of the trophic web in freshwater and marine environments with different bio - optical characteristics.