Abstract
Measurement of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) incident on photosynthetic organisms is a crucial measurement for understanding how organisms respond to various light conditions, and for calculating electron flow through the photosynthetic machinery. Measurements of PAR are typically performed in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum between 400 - 700 nm, which is the region of radiation that is responsible for promoting photosynthesis. Typically, to ensure that the sensor measures in this range, the implementation of long- and short-pass filters is required. Although this allows the exclusion of radiation outside of the PAR region, such filters can be expensive. Additionally, the implementation of autonomous PAR measurements requires costly commercial instruments. Here, a straight-forward, inexpensive apparatus has been designed and constructed using a sensor that can distinguish between red, green, blue and white light. The constructed apparatus was able to perform comparably to a commercial PAR sensor. Furthermore, the implementation of the device to measure PAR intensity over a three-day period shows how the apparatus can be implemented for use as a constant light monitor.
Highlights
Measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) are typically performed in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum between 400 - 700 nm, which is the region of radiation that is responsible for promoting photosynthesis
PAR is defined as the radiation that is available for photosynthesis [1] [2]
The wavelength range is determined by light absorption capacity of the pigments located in the photosynthetic machinery, which are involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis
Summary
PAR is defined as the radiation that is available for photosynthesis [1] [2]. The wavelength range is determined by light absorption capacity of the pigments located in the photosynthetic machinery, which are involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Solar energy is converted into chemical energy through several chained redox reactions for use by the organism [3]. This, in turn, is used for CO2 fixation during the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis [4]
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