UV-RADIATION AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC PRODUCTION IN ANTARCTIC SEA ICE MICROALGAE

During spring when ozone depletion is at its maximum, up to 10% of the surface UV radiation may penetrate Antarctic sea ice to the algal community growing at the lower surface. These algae ultimately form a major portion of the food web in the Southern Ocean and reduction in productivity due to enhanced UV radiation may have serious implications for all marine life. The small (5%) but statistically significant reduction in photosynthetic production observed as a result of UV treatment of ice microalgae indicates that the effect on these algae at least may not be as drastic as sometimes predicted.