The Effects of UV Radiation in the Marine Environment

About this book

This book provides a comprehensive review of UV radiation effects in the marine environment. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted to discuss all aspects from a physical, chemical and biological perspective. The book begins by describing the attenuation of UV radiation in the atmosphere and sea water, outlining the photochemical reactions involved and highlighting the role that such chemistry can play in influencing the biogeochemical cycling of various elements. The deleterious consequences of such radiation on organisms and strategies adopted to mitigate these harmful repercussions are discussed. The organisms considered range from virus and bacteria through phytoplankton and zooplankton to fish and mammals. The book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in photobiology, photochemistry and environmental science. It will also be useful as a supplementary text for courses in oceanography, climatology and ecology.

Contents

Preface 1. Enhanced UV radiation - a new problem for the marine environment 2. UV physics and optics 3. Spectral weighting functions for quantifying effects of ultraviolet radiation in marine ecosystems 4. Marine photochemistry and its impact on carbon cycling 5. Photochemical production of biological substrates 6. Mechanisms of UV damage to aquatic organisms 7. Strategies for the minimisation of UV-induced damage 8. Ultraviolet radiation effects on heterotrophic bacterioplankton and viruses in marine ecosystems 9. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on the physiology and ecology of marine phytoplankton 10. Impact of solar UV radiation on zooplankton and fish 11. Implications of UV radiation on the food web structure and consequences on the carbon flow

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