Investigations into the Photochemistry of Antarctic Waters in Response to Changing Ultraviolet Radiation Fluxes

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Decreases in stratospheric ozone over the Antarctic result in an increase in the ultraviolet radiation flux in the euphotic zone of the ocean. This increase may lead to cellular damage in aquatic organisms resulting in photo-inhibition and decreased productivity. Cellular damage can occur either intracellularly, or externally at the cell surface from biomolecular reactions with externally-generated reactive transient species. Extracellular damage will depend to a large degree on the photochemistry of the seawater surrounding the cell. To date, little is known about the photochemistry of the unique Antarctic waters. This project integrates a field and laboratory approach to obtain baseline information regarding the marine photochemistry of the euphotic zone in Antarctica waters as related to changes in ultraviolet radiation levels. In situ photochemical production rates and steady state concentrations of a suite of reactive species and dissolved organic matter degradation products as well as downwelling ultraviolet radiation will be measured. Additionally, flux by in situ chemical actinometry, action spectra for photochemical production of various reactive species and dissolved organic matter degradation products, and fluorescence and absorbance properties of dissolved organic matter will be determined. This information will serve as a basis for understanding and predicting the effects of ultraviolet radiation-induced marine photochemical processes on the productivity and ecology in the euphotic zone of the Antarctic Ocean.