Quantifying the response of phytoplankton photosynthesis to ultraviolet radiation: Biological weighting functions versus in situ measurements in two Swiss lakes

Abstract

The sensitivity of photosynthesis to ultraviolet radiation (UV) was assessed for phytoplankton assemblages in two Swiss lakes, pre-alpine Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstattersee) and alpine Lake Cadagno, using both in situ and laboratory incubations. Biological weighting functions for UV inhibition of photosynthesis (BWFs) were determined in the laboratory using polychromatic exposures in a Xe-lamp based incubator. Samples were concurrently incubated in situ under UV exposed and protected bottles (profiles 0‐5 m), while additional spectral treatments were carried out at the 50% UV-B penetration depth: full spectrum, UV-A only (Mylar protected) and UV protected quartz tubes. Both particulate (> 0.2 mm) and total organic carbon incorporation were measured. Measured attenuation coefficients and incident UV spectral irradiance data was used to evaluate a BWF/photosynthesis-irradiance model (BWF/P-I) for in situ exposure conditions and compared with measurements. The BWFs showed sensitivity across the UV spectrum at similar, though somewhat lower, levels than an average BWF for marine assemblages. Relative photosynthesis in situ (UV exposed/UV excluded) was about 40% at the surface and about 60% at the 50% UV-B penetration depth. Similar inhibition was predicted by the BWF/P-I model. Generally, full spectrum (UV-B and UV-A) exposure had little additional effect compared to UV-A only exposure. Reciprocal transfer of samples between lakes showed enhancement of UV effects in L. Cadagno compared to incubation of the same sample in L. Lucerne, consistent with increased UV sensitivity due to the 5°C cooler water temperature in L. Cadagno. Similarly, BWF prediction of in situ response in L. Cadagno was improved by increasing UV sensitivity according to a Q10 of 2.