Effects Of Solar UV Radiation Research Articles

Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023

This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.

Comparative study on the environmental impact of Portland cement paste that mixed with naphthalene or carboxylate based polymer solutions

The environmental impact is now a valuable coefficient for any human activity. The effect of solar UV radiation on the cement samples was limited and contained in the thin surface layer of the samples. In general, viscocrete was the most effective in protecting cement against solar ultraviolet radiation, where cement samples treated with the two polymers used separately showed greater compressive strength values than those recorded for samples treated with sikament polymer. This study is important since the mechanical properties of cement and concrete at early stages are important in the field of civil engineering. The effect of soaking in water on the ability of the cement to withstand the pressure on it was also studied, and several physical measurements were applied to samples of untreated cement and samples mixed with the mentioned polymers. These measurements included measuring the porosity, density, and total dissolved solids by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and line scan EDX. These measurements were carried out on cement samples before, after, after soaking in water, as well as on cement samples mixed with polymers. The measurements were extended to the soaking water. So, adding two types of polymers (Sikament and Viscocrete) separately to cement could protect concrete constructions against serious environmental impacts. The EDX analysis of the samples used in this study showed that the Egyptian sources of raw materials used in the cement industry are rich sources of rare chemical elements. The importance of adding two types of polymers, Sikament and ViscoCrete, separately to cement protects concrete construction against environmental impacts, which is our main highlight, significance, and advice of this work. Decrease the water reduction percentage and increase the compressive strength for portend cement paste to 0.5 % viscocrete using 15 W and 30 W UV lamps, with a maximum value of 127.52 MPa for 0.5 % viscocrete at the 30 W lamp. Higher UV lamp exposure at 45-watt lamp decreases the compressive strength after exposure than others. The total porosity percentage of all used percentages of Sikament polymer addition is greater than that using viscocrete polymer with a 0.75 % Sikament high value of 7.60 (total porosity) TP%. The conductivity EC of the cement treated with polymer samples shows a smaller increase in the case of viscocrete polymer than that of Sikament, with a value of 404 uS using 0.5 % and 0.75 % viscocrete, which is supported by TdS measurements with values of 202 ppm for 0.5 % and 0.75 % viscocrete, respectively. The EDX results for cement polymer mixtures prove that both polymers used extract many elements from the cement paste and protect human beings from their dangers, like Sb, Na, Zr, Hf, Rb, Mo., Ti, P, Cu, Er, Cl, In, and Te,Te with greater efficiency for the Viscocrete polymer than the Sikament one. Many factors affecting the cement's compressive strength and mechanical properties are the innovation of this work, which deals with the impact of some materials affecting it. The main target is to discuss the effect of different polymers on some properties of cement paste. Other properties can be discussed in near future, like the void volume effect, packing density, Van der Waals volume, and apparent molar volumes. The polymer contents have the largest effect on increasing the compressive strength of cement paste, followed by the w/c ratio and curing time.

Sunlight can convert atmospheric aerosols into a glassy solid state and modify their environmental impacts

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) plays a critical, yet uncertain, role in air quality and climate. Once formed, SOA is transported throughout the atmosphere and is exposed to solar UV light. Information on the viscosity of SOA, and how it may change with solar UV exposure, is needed to accurately predict air quality and climate. However, the effect of solar UV radiation on the viscosity of SOA and the associated implications for air quality and climate predictions is largely unknown. Here, we report the viscosity of SOA after exposure to UV radiation, equivalent to a UV exposure of 6 to 14 d at midlatitudes in summer. Surprisingly, UV-aging led to as much as five orders of magnitude increase in viscosity compared to unirradiated SOA. This increase in viscosity can be rationalized in part by an increase in molecular mass and oxidation of organic molecules constituting the SOA material, as determined by high-resolution mass spectrometry. We demonstrate that UV-aging can lead to an increased abundance of aerosols in the atmosphere in a glassy solid state. Therefore, UV-aging could represent an unrecognized source of nuclei for ice clouds in the atmosphere, with important implications for Earth's energy budget. We also show that UV-aging increases the mixing times within SOA particles by up to five orders of magnitude throughout the troposphere with important implications for predicting the growth, evaporation, and size distribution of SOA, and hence, air pollution and climate.

Flavonoid Nobiletin Exhibits Differential Effects on Cell Viability in Keratinocytes Exposed to UVA versus UVB Radiation.

The polymethoxylated flavonoid nobiletin has been shown to suppress inflammatory responses to UVB radiation and to enhance circadian rhythms. Because expression of the core nucleotide excision repair (NER) factor XPA and the rate of removal of UV photoproducts from DNA are regulated by the circadian clock, we investigated whether the beneficial effects of nobiletin in UVB-exposed cells could be due in part to enhanced NER. Although nobiletin limited UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes from undergoing cell death, we found that this enhanced survival was not associated with increased NER or XPA expression. Instead, nobiletin reduced initial UV photoproduct formation and promoted a G1 cell cycle arrest. We then examined the implications of this findings for exposures to solar radiation through use of a solar simulated light (SSL) source that contains primarily UVA radiation. In striking contrast to the results obtained with UVB radiation, nobiletin instead sensitized keratinocytes to both the SSL and a more defined UVA radiation source. This enhanced cell death was correlated with a photochemical change in nobiletin absorption spectrum and the production of reactive oxygen species. We conclude that nobiletin is unlikely to be a useful compound for protecting keratinocytes against the harmful effects of solar UV radiation.

EFFECT OF REJUVENATORS ON PENETRATION AND SOFTENING POIND OF AGED POLYMER-MODIFIED ROAD BITUMEN

The article describes the effiency of polymer-modified road bitumen regeneration with two types of rejuvenators. Two alternative rejuvenators have been selected aromatic oil Nygen 910 and soft road bitumen V12000. PMB 45/80-55 bitumen, which is used in the upper and lower layers of asphalt pavement, was investigated. During the life time of the asphalt pvement, due to the effects of solar UV radiation, temperature and oxygen, of all the layers of the structure asphalt top layer reaches the highest degree of aging. Short-term and long-term aging were performed to simulate the aging of the bitmen under laboratory conditions. To determine the optimal amount of rejuvenator experiments were performed with 8%, 10% ir 14% rejuvenator by bitumen mass. The effect of rejuvenators were evaluated by studying the main physical properties of bitumen: penetration and softening temperature. Ina n experimental study, aromatic oil was found to be more than 2.5 times more effective than soft bitumen.

Interactive effects of solar UV radiation and climate change on material damage.

Solar UV radiation adversely affects the properties of organic materials used in construction, such as plastics and wood. The outdoor service lifetimes of these materials are influenced by their rates of degradation under solar UV radiation as well as by other climate factors such as temperature, moisture, and atmospheric pollutants. While recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer is expected, local increases in UV radiation are still likely to occur, especially in the tropics, but also elsewhere because of climate change effects. Such increases, when taken together with an increased ambient temperature due to climate change, can significantly shorten the service lifetimes of organic building materials. Several proven technologies, including the use of UV stabilisers, surface treatments or coatings have been developed over the years to mitigate these adverse effects. While these technologies should be able to compensate for any realistic future UV radiation and climate change scenarios, they will also add significantly to the lifetime cost of material in relevant products. Shorter outdoor lifetime of the plastic components in photovoltaic (PV) modules is a serious concern in the solar energy industry. To ensure module durability over the full service-lifetime (of about ∼20 years) of the light-harvesting PV components, better stabilisation technologies are being investigated. The present trend towards more environmentally sustainable materials in building, and environmental impact of additives such as stabilisers, need to be considered in addition to their engineering performance. This may require the phasing out of some conventional additives used in plastics as well as substituting wood or other materials in place of plastics in buildings. Depending on the relative costs of mitigation, substituting more UV-stable materials for conventional ones in outdoor products may also be a viable option with some categories of products. Neither the global cost of mitigation of the effects of climate change on materials nor the long-term sustainability of the technologies available for the purpose, have been estimated. Plastic waste and litter exposed outdoors to solar UV radiation over extended periods undergo cracking and fragmentation into small pieces (of micro- and nano-scale size). Release of these fragments into the environment, particularly in the aquatic environment, poses a potential threat to marine biota. Already several hundred of species are known to ingest these fragments that can potentially accumulate additives and pollutants from water. This is a potential threat to humans because 25% of fish marketed for human consumption have been reported to contain microplastics in their digestive systems. The focus of this assessment is on recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of UV-radiation-induced degradation in materials and in assessing emerging technologies for their stabilisation against outdoor UV-degradation. A better understanding of the mechanisms of degradation will allow for innovative stabilisation approaches to be developed. Also assessed is information on the sustainability of the available and emerging UV stabilisation technologies.

UVA and UVB Photoprotective Capabilities of Topical Formulations Containing Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs) through Different Biological Effective Protection Factors (BEPFs).

The safety and stability of synthetic UV-filters and the procedures for evaluating the photoprotective capability of commercial sunscreens are under continuous review. The influence of pH and temperature stressors on the stability of certain Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) isolated at high purity levels was examined. MAAs were highly stable at room temperature during 24 h at pH 4.5–8.5. At 50 °C, MAAs showed instability at pH 10.5 while at 85 °C, progressive disappearances were observed for MAAs through the studied pH range. In alkaline conditions, their degradation was much faster. Mycosporine-serinol and porphyra-334 (+shinorine) were the most stable MAAs under the conditions tested. They were included in four cosmetically stable topical sunscreens, of which the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and other Biological Effective Protection Factors (BEPFs) were calculated. The formulation containing these MAAs showed similar SPF and UVB-BEPFs values as those of the reference sunscreen, composed of synthetic UV absorbing filters in similar percentages, while UVA-BEPFs values were slightly lower. Current in vitro data strongly suggest that MAAs, as natural and safe UV-absorbing and antioxidant compounds, have high potential for protection against the diverse harmful effects of solar UV radiation. In addition, novel complementary in vitro tests for evaluation of commercial sunscreens efficacy are proposed.

Water depth-dependant photosynthetic and growth rates of Gracilaria lemaneiformis, with special reference to effects of solar UV radiation

To optimize the farming strategy of economically important seaweeds, we grew Gracilaria lemaneiformis at different seawater depths under natural solar radiation with or without UV irradiances. Our results showed that solar UV radiation (UVR, 295–395nm) significantly inhibited its growth and photosynthesis in the surface seawater; however, such a negative effects became inverse at 1.7m with levels of UVR being about 11.7Wm−2. The maximal growth rates were found at 1.7, 0.8m when the thalli grown at PAR+UVR or PAR only conditions, respectively. UV-absorbing compounds in the algal thalli were up to 85% higher under PAR+UVR compared to PAR alone treatment and they increased with decreased depths even in the absence of UVR. The enhanced growth rate in the presence of UVR could be attributed to enhanced photosynthesis under moderate levels of solar radiation by UV-A. Our study clearly showed that UV-induced growth inhibition could be minimized or avoided by optimizing the alga's farming depth in different waters of different transparency, so that Gracilaria's biomass production could be increased.

Loss of Nrf2 abrogates the protective effect of Keap1 downregulation in a preclinical model of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) are the most common and highly mutated human malignancies, challenging identification of driver mutations and targeted therapies. Transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) orchestrates a cytoprotective inducible program, which counteracts the damaging effects of solar UV radiation, the main etiological factor in cSCC development. Downregulation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a Cullin-3/Rbx1 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor protein, which mediates the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Nrf2, has a strong protective effect in a preclinical model of cSCC. However, in addition to Nrf2, Keap1 affects ubiquitination of other proteins in the carcinogenesis process, including proteins involved in inflammation and DNA damage repair. Here, we generated Keap1flox/flox SKH-1 hairless mice in which Nrf2 is disrupted (Keap1flox/flox/Nrf2−/−) and subjected them chronically to solar-simulated UV radiation. We found that the incidence, multiplicity and burden of cSCC that form in Keap1flox/flox/Nrf2−/− mice are much greater than in their Keap1flox/flox/Nrf2+/+ counterparts, establishing Nrf2 activation as the protection mediator. Our findings further imply that inhibition of Nrf2 globally, a strategy proposed for cancer treatment, is unlikely to be beneficial.

Differential responses of tetrasporophytes and gametophytes of Mazzaella laminarioides (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) under solar UV radiation.

The effects of solar UV radiation on mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), growth, photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, phycobiliproteins), soluble proteins (SP), and C and N content of Mazzaella laminarioides tetrasporophytes and gametophytes were investigated. Apical segments of tetrasporophytes and gametophytes were exposed to solar radiation under three treatments (PAR [P], PAR+UVA [PA], and PAR+UVA+UVB [PAB]) during 18d in spring 2009, Punta Arenas, Chile. Samples were taken after 2, 6, 12, and 18d of solar radiation exposure. Most of the parameters assessed on M.laminarioides were significantly influenced by the radiation treatment, and both gametophytes and tetrasporophytes seemed to respond differently when exposed to high UV radiation. The two main effects promoted by UV radiation were: (i) higher synthesis of MAAs in gametophytes than tetrasporophytes at 2d, and (ii) a decrease in phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, and SPs, but an increase in MAA content in tetrasporophytes at 6 and 12d of culture. Despite some changes that were observed in biochemical parameters in both tetrasporophytes and gametophytes of M.laminarioides when exposed to UVB radiation, these changes did not promote deleterious effects that might interfere with the growth inthe long term (18d). The tolerance and resistance of M.laminarioides to higher UV irradiance wereexpected, as this intertidal species is exposedtovariation in solar radiation, especially during low tide.

Photosynthetic Performance of the Red Alga Pyropia haitanensis During Emersion, With Special Reference to Effects of Solar UV Radiation, Dehydration and Elevated CO2 Concentration

Macroalgae distributed in intertidal zones experience a series of environmental changes, such as periodical desiccation associated with tidal cycles, increasing CO2 concentration and solar UVB (280-315 nm) irradiance in the context of climate change. We investigated how the economic red macroalga, Pyropia haitanensis, perform its photosynthesis under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and in the presence of solar UV radiation (280-400 nm) during emersion. Our results showed that the elevated CO2 (800 ppmv) significantly increased the photosynthetic carbon fixation rate of P. haitanensis by about 100% when the alga was dehydrated. Solar UV radiation had insignificant effects on the net photosynthesis without desiccation stress and under low levels of sunlight, but significantly inhibited it with increased levels of desiccation and sunlight intensity, to the highest extent at the highest levels of water loss and solar radiation. Presence of UV radiation and the elevated CO2 acted synergistically to cause higher inhibition of the photosynthetic carbon fixation, which exacerbated at higher levels of desiccation and sunlight. While P. haitanensis can benefit from increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration during emersion under low and moderate levels of solar radiation, combined effects of elevated CO2 and UV radiation acted synergistically to reduce its photosynthesis under high solar radiation levels during noon periods.

Quantitative Analysis of Effects of UV Exposure and Spore Cluster Size on Deposition and Inhalation Hazards ofBacillusSpores

Reviews of the effects of solar UV radiation on the survival rate of aerosolized biological material found that the current understanding of environmental viability degradation in response scenarios is insufficient to inform appropriate emergency response measures. We evaluated the effects of UV degradation, in terms of the number of viable, culture forming units as a function of spore cluster size on the downwind hazard presented by a release of a biological organism such as Bacillus anthracis into the environment. We used experimentally derived survival rates for B. atrophaeus var. globigii (BG) spores and BG spore clusters (as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis) of various sizes exposed to UVC fluences to derive predicted survival rates for single spores and spore clusters of up to 10 µm. For the range of weather conditions encountered in hazard estimates, as characterized by Pasquill-Gifford-Turner classes, we calculated and compared the downwind inhalation and deposition hazards for single spores ver...

Simulation of sunscreen performance

AbstractSunscreens are used to protect the human skin against harmful effects of solar UV radiation. The most important quantity characterizing sunscreen performance is the sun protection factor (SPF). At the stage of development of new sun protection formulations quick and inexpensive methods for estimation of the UV screening performance are highly desirable. The most convenient approach towards this goal is given by computational simulations. Models for the calculation of the SPF employ the same algorithm as used with in vitro SPF measurements, but replace the transmittance measurement by the calculation of the overall absorbance of the UV filters in an irregular sunscreen film. The simulations require a database with quantitative UV extinction spectra of the relevant UV filters as well as a mathematical description of the film irregularity. The simulation algorithm implies also the consideration of photodegradation properties of the UV filters in the sunscreen composition. Besides using such simulations for designing new sunscreen formulations, the calculations can also support the understanding of sunscreen performance in general.

Effects of solar UV radiation and temperature on morphology and photosynthetic performance of Chaetoceros curvisetus

This study investigated the effect of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and temperature on a chain length and photosynthetic performance of diatom Chaetorceros curvisetus. The cells were cultured in large quartz tubes and exposed to PAR, PAR + UV-A (PA), or PAR + UV-A + UV-B (PAB) radiation at 20°C and 28°C for six days, respectively. After recovery for 1 h, the cells were exposed again to three different radiations for 1 h. Then, a change in the photochemical efficiency (FPSII) was examined and UVR-induced photoinhibition was calculated. The percentage of long chains (more than five single cells per chain) in C. curvisetus significantly increased from 8.2% (PAR) to 38.9% (PAB) at 20°C; while it was not notably affected at 28°C. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) concentration obviously increased by irradiance increment from PAR to PAB at 20°C. Chlorophyll (Chl) a concentration significantly declined with increasing irradiance at 20°C. Both MAAs and Chl a concentrations were not obviously changed by irradiance at 28°C. Before and after reexposure, FPSII was significantly reduced both at 20°C and 28°C. UVR-induced photoinhibition at 20°C (39%) was higher than that at 28°C (30.9%). Solar UV radiation, especially UV-B, could significantly influence the percentage of long chains of C. curvisetus, especially at low temperature. UVR-induced photoinhibition can be alleviated by higher temperatures.

EFFECT OF SOLAR UV RADIATION ON ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES AND PHENOLS BIOSYNTHESIS IN LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa)

This study aims to evaluate the effect of solar UV radiation on defensive enzymes activities in lettuce seedlings. Seeds of lettuce were grown in high tunnels for 35 days, exposed to three different levels of solar UV, created by using three different types of plastic films. Each plastic film transmits different levels of solar UV (0% in UV-B, 4% in UV-L and 83% in UV-T). The obtained results indicated that solar UV radiation has led to significant decrease in seedling fresh weight. UV-B treatment resulted the highest shoot and root length while UV-T treatments exhibited the highest shoot: root ratio. Solar UV radiations have no effect on peroxidase activity in shoots. While ascorbate peroxidase was activated and catalase was inhibited in shoot by UV-T treatments. In lettuce roots, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase activities were increased by increasing the level of solar UV radiation. In case of UV-T, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity in both shoots and roots of lettuce seedlings was higher than those of other treatments. In addition, Phenols are accumulated in lettuce shoots as a result of UV radiation in UV-L and UV-T treatments. Also, phenols in roots increased by increasing solar UV dose. The study concluded that solar UV radiation induced some antioxidant enzymes, increased the accumulation and biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and reduced lettuce seedlings growth.

Controlling adverse and beneficial effects of solar UV radiation by wearing suitable clothes – Spectral transmission of different kinds of fabrics

Humans should avoid prolonged exposure to the Sun during the warm subperiod of the year with naturally high solar UV level. One of the known recommendations to avoid excessive UV radiation is wearing clothes with UV protection additives. However there is an important question: how do we get an adequate solar UV radiation, which maintains a healthy status of vitamin D, without facing overexposure risks? It is found that some kind of 100% cotton knitted fabric, used in the production of normal daily clothing, has ∼15% transmittance of solar UV. Model studies show that a garment made of this fabric allows larger synthesis of vitamin D3 in human body without the erythema risks (skin redness). Thus the adequate level of vitamin D could be attained safely by a person exposing only small part of the body (face, palms) during the period (May–August) of the year.

Skin protection against UV light by dietary antioxidants.

There is considerable interest in the concept of additional endogenous photoprotection by dietary antioxidants. A number of efficient micronutrients are capable of contributing to the prevention of UV damage in humans. These compounds protect molecular targets by scavenging reactive oxygen species, including excited singlet oxygen and triplet state molecules, and also modulate stress-dependent signaling and/or suppress cellular and tissue responses like inflammation. Micronutrients present in the diet such as carotenoids, vitamins E and C, and polyphenols contribute to antioxidant defense and may also contribute to endogenous photoprotection. This review summarizes the literature concerning the use of dietary antioxidants as systemic photoprotective agents towards skin damage induced by UVA and UVB. Intervention studies in humans with carotenoid-rich diets have shown photoprotection. Interestingly, rather long treatment periods (a minimum of 10 weeks) were required to achieve this effect. Likewise, dietary carotenoids exert their protective antioxidant function in several in vitro and in vivo studies when present at sufficiently high concentration. A combination of vitamins E and C protects the skin against UV damage. It is suggested that daily consumption of dietary polyphenols may provide efficient protection against the harmful effects of solar UV radiation in humans. Furthermore, the use of these micronutrients in combination may provide an effective strategy for protecting human skin from damage by UV exposure.

Effects of solar UV radiation on photosynthetic performance of the diatom Skeletonema costatum grown under nitrate limited condition

National Natural Science Foundation [40930846, 41120164007, 41206132]; Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team [IRT_13R51]; China-Japan collaboration project from MOST [S2012GR0290]; Special Research Fund for the National Non-profit Institutes [2008M15]; MEL Visiting Fellowship Program [MELRS1006]

Effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, solar UV radiation, and climate change on biogeochemical cycling: interactions and feedbacks.

Climate change modulates the effects of solar UV radiation on biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, particularly for carbon cycling, resulting in UV-mediated positive or negative feedbacks on climate. Possible positive feedbacks discussed in this assessment include: (i) enhanced UV-induced mineralisation of above ground litter due to aridification; (ii) enhanced UV-induced mineralisation of photoreactive dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic ecosystems due to changes in continental runoff and ice melting; (iii) reduced efficiency of the biological pump due to UV-induced bleaching of coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in stratified aquatic ecosystems, where CDOM protects phytoplankton from the damaging solar UV-B radiation. Mineralisation of organic matter results in the production and release of CO2, whereas the biological pump is the main biological process for CO2 removal by aquatic ecosystems. This paper also assesses the interactive effects of solar UV radiation and climate change on the biogeochemical cycling of aerosols and trace gases other than CO2, as well as of chemical and biological contaminants. Interacting effects of solar UV radiation and climate change on biogeochemical cycles are particularly pronounced at terrestrial-aquatic interfaces.

Effects of Solar UV Radiation on Materials Used in Agricultural Industry in Salta, Argentina: Study and Characterization

The current study presents the characterization of three types of materials after exposure to solar UV radiation. The selection of the materials is related to socio-economic aspects and rural activities in the northwest of Argentina (a.k.a. NOA). The objective was to establish a time parameter that allows estimating the durability of the materials according to their use. One of the materials is used as a protective cover (polyethylene film) of greenhouses, which are used for crop cultivation in the area. Another material is used in photovoltaic modules (PVMs), which are used to supply energy in isolated areas and the third material is sunscreen used by people that are exposed to UV radiation during rural activities. Degradation or deterioration of the materials was monitored using different spectroscopic assays: infrared was used to detect any structural changes in the material, X-rays were used for possible changes in the crystalline structure of the material, and spectral transmittance as this property is likely to be affected by changes in the structure of the material. The results showed that degradation of polyethylene seems to be related to the diminution in transparency and the loss of mechanical resistance with increasing exposure time. The decrease in transparency of one of the layers of a PVM caused a considerable decrease in the energy generated, whereas the sunscreens with a low sun protection factor (SPF) rapidly lost their protective properties and changed their photostability properties. Our results revealed a relationship between relative transmittance loss and exposure timse, which allows estimating the stability of different materials.