Photoinhibition of Respiration in Epilithic Periphyton

Abstract

To determine whether respiration in the light was equal to respiration in the dark we examined epilithic periphyton from a lake acidified experimentally with sulfuric acid. Because of the low concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon, we could use both 12C and 14C uptake techniques. Using the 14C technique we could correct for residual photosynthesis in samples treated with the photosynthetic inhibitor DCMU (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dsmethyiurea). DCMU did not alter rates of dark respiration. However, respiration of DCMU-treated samples in the light was less than in the dark (P < 0.01). This photoinhibition of respiration was about 40% of dark control values. If we had calculated gross photosynthesis for the specific conditions of this experiment, but assumed incorrectly that light and dark respiration were equal, we would have overestimated gross photosynthesis by about 30%. Thus, if the ratio of respiration to photosynthesis is high, researchers will have to evaluate the effect of light on respiration to better estimate gross photosynthesis. The technique we describe, of monitoring both 12C and 14C flux in DCMU-treated samples in the light, will provide an underestimate of respiration in the light.