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Interactions between nutritional status and long-term responses to ultraviolet-B radiation stress in a marine diatom

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Abstract

Influences of nutritional status on the photoinhibitory effects of ultraviolet-B radiation (UVBR: 290 to 320 nm) on the specific growth rates (μobs) and biomass of Phaeodactylum tricornutum were determined using nutrient-replete batch cultures and nutrient-limited continuous cultures. P. tricornutum cultures were exposed to UVBR doses representative of current mid-latitude and ozone-depletion intensities. Specific growth rates and biomass were inhibited from 2 to 16% by UVBR during nutrient-replete growth. However, no effect of UVBR on μobs or biomass was detectable when nutrient limitation exceeded the potential for limitation by UVBR. Thus, a competitive interaction appears to occur between macronutrient stress and UVBR stress, such that μobs and biomass will be determined by the most limiting factor. Our results suggest that measurable decreases in phytoplankton μobs and biomass from UVBR are most likely in nutrient-rich areas of the ocean, while these parameters may not be appropriate for measuring UVBR stress in regions of nutrient limitation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AScI, U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory, 97365-5260, Newport, Oregon, USA

    M. J. Behrenfeld

  2. U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory, 97365-5260, Newport, Oregon, USA

    H. Lee II

  3. College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, 97331-5503, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

    L. F. Small

Authors
  1. M. J. Behrenfeld
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  2. H. Lee II
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  3. L. F. Small
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Communicated by M. G. Hadfield, Honolulu

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Behrenfeld, M.J., Lee, H. & Small, L.F. Interactions between nutritional status and long-term responses to ultraviolet-B radiation stress in a marine diatom. Marine Biology 118, 523–530 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350309

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350309

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