Penetration Of Ultraviolet Radiation Research Articles

Photo-neuro-immuno-endocrinology: How the ultraviolet radiation regulates the body, brain, and immune system

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is primarily recognized for its detrimental effects such as cancerogenesis, skin aging, eye damage, and autoimmune disorders. With exception of ultraviolet B (UVB) requirement in the production of vitamin D3, the positive role of UVR in modulation of homeostasis is underappreciated. Skin exposure to UVR triggers local responses secondary to the induction of chemical, hormonal, immune, and neural signals that are defined by the chromophores and extent of UVR penetration into skin compartments. These responses are not random and are coordinated by the cutaneous neuro-immuno-endocrine system, which counteracts the action of external stressors and accommodates local homeostasis to the changing environment. The UVR induces electrical, chemical, and biological signals to be sent to the brain, endocrine and immune systems, as well as other central organs, which in concert regulate body homeostasis. To achieve its central homeostatic goal, the UVR-induced signals are precisely computed locally with transmission through nerves or humoral signals release into the circulation to activate and/or modulate coordinating central centers or organs. Such modulatory effects will be dependent on UVA and UVB wavelengths. This leads to immunosuppression, the activation of brain and endocrine coordinating centers, and the modification of different organ functions. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the underlying mechanisms of UVR electromagnetic energy penetration deep into the body, with its impact on the brain and internal organs. Photo-neuro-immuno-endocrinology can offer novel therapeutic approaches in addiction and mood disorders; autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and chronic pain-generating disorders; or pathologies involving endocrine, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or reproductive systems.

Significance of melanin distribution in the epidermis for the protective effect against UV light

Melanin, the most abundant skin chromophore, is produced by melanocytes and is one of the key components responsible for mediating the skin’s response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Because of its antioxidant, radical scavenging, and broadband UV absorbing properties, melanin reduces the penetration of UVR into the nuclei of keratinocytes. Despite its long-established photoprotective role, there is evidence that melanin may also induce oxidative DNA damage in keratinocytes after UV exposure and therefore be involved in the development of melanoma. The present work aimed at evaluating the dependence of UV-induced DNA damage on melanin content and distribution, using reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) models. Tanned and light RHE were irradiated with a 233 nm UV-C LED source at 60 mJ/cm2 and a UV lamp at 3 mJ/cm2. Higher UV-mediated free radicals and DNA damage were detected in tanned RHE with significantly higher melanin content than in light RHE. The melanin distribution in the individual models can explain the lack of photoprotection. Fluorescence lifetime-based analysis and Fontana–Masson staining revealed a non-homogeneous distribution and absence of perinuclear melanin in the tanned RHE compared to the in vivo situation in humans. Extracellularly dispersed epidermal melanin interferes with photoprotection of the keratinocytes.

Methods, Thermodynamic Applications, and Habitat Implications of Physical and Spectral Properties of Hair and Haircoats in Cattle.

The physical properties (hair diameter, hair length, haircoat depth and haircoat density) and spectral properties (absorptivity, reflectivity, transmissivity) of the hair and haircoat of cattle are inputs to heat and moisture exchange between the skin surface and the surrounding environment, and thus play a critical role in body temperature regulation. Physical and spectral properties of haircoats also play an important role in protecting the skin against penetration of ultraviolet radiation. The focus of this review is to identify accurate and consistent measurement procedures of these properties. Additionally, the paper shows the utilization of the properties on heat exchange models and their implications on voluntary thermoregulation of cattle. To highlight the effects and benefits of haircoat color vis-à-vis solar radiation and its implication on ecological habitation, a brief explanation is provided using polar bears (white haircoat in a cold environment) and black goats in a hot desert environment.

Genotoxic risk assessment of solar UV radiation in tadpoles from Brazilian wetlands

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an environmental genotoxic factor linked to amphibian decline. Here we assessed the genotoxic risk of UVB and UVA exposure for tadpoles from open ponds in southern Brazil, a mid-latitude region influenced by stratospheric ozone depletion. Daily UV doses were measured on the surface of a pond in Taim Ecological Station (TAIM; 32°49’24’’S; 52°38’31’’W) on a cloudless summer day to predict the worst-case scenario for UV-induced DNA damage. Pond descriptors were related to the use of microhabitats by Boana pulchella tadpoles in two ponds over the climate seasons of 2013 and 2014. Our results indicate that shaded microhabitats were more frequent than unshaded ones in autumn, winter, and spring but not in summer. Hence, the penetration of UV radiation into the water of unshaded microhabitats was evaluated through laboratory experiments with artificial UV sources and pond water samples. Physical and biological sensors were applied in the experiments to measure the incident UV radiation and its genotoxic action. By integrating field and laboratory data, we demonstrate that low doses of biologically effective UV radiation reached the tadpoles in autumn, winter, spring, and early summer due to a high proportion of shaded microhabitats and a high concentration of solids in unshaded microhabitats. However, the relative reduction of shaded microhabitats jointly with a declining water level in late summer may have exposed tadpoles to high UV doses. Our experiments also indicate that solar UVB radiation, but not UVA, is primarily responsible for the induction of DNA pyrimidine dimers in organisms living under the surface of aquatic ecosystems. The present work highlights the determinant role of wetland descriptors for minimizing the genotoxic potential of UV radiation and its consequences for amphibians.

Skin biophysical properties including impaired skin barrier function determine ultraviolet sensitivity.

The levels of burning susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV) radiations are affected by various factors, including Fitzpatrick skin types, skin color, sex, and ethnicity. However, studies on the relationship between skin biophysical properties and erythemal responses to UV radiations are rare. This study aimed to investigate biophysical properties of the skin that determined individual skin sensitivity to UV radiation. As an indicator of skin sensitivity to UV radiation, Korean women were subjected to minimal erythema dose (MED) testing. The skin biophysical properties, such as skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), were measured. MED were also evaluated in further variations in the skin, including barrier disruption. A significant negative correlation was observed between TEWL and MED. With an increase in TEWL, that represents reduced skin barrier function, skin UV sensitivity also increased. Artificial alteration of skin conditions also changed erythemal response to UV radiation. When the skin barrier was disrupted, MED significantly decreased, indicating increased skin UV sensitivity. It is hypothesized that the altered penetration of UV radiation into the stratum corneum under the respective skin conditions caused different erythema reactions. For the first time in a clinical study, the skin biophysical properties, including skin barrier function, were found to have significant effects on skin sensitivity to UV radiation. This finding could help predict individual susceptibility to UV damage. Therefore, skincare products that improve skin conditions associated with UV sensitivity, as well as sunscreen are important for protection against the hazards of UV radiation.

The evolution of human skin pigmentation involved the interactions of genetic, environmental, and cultural variables.

The primary biological role of human skin pigmentation is as a mediator of penetration of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) into the deep layers of skin and the cutaneous circulation. Since the origin of Homo sapiens, dark, protective constitutive pigmentation and strong tanning abilities have been favored under conditions of high UVR and represent the baseline condition for modern humans. The evolution of partly depigmented skin and variable tanning abilities has occurred multiple times in prehistory, as populations have dispersed into environments with lower and more seasonal UVR regimes, with unique complements of genes and cultural practices. The evolution of extremes of dark pigmentation and depigmentation has been rare and occurred only under conditions of extremely high or low environmental UVR, promoted by positive selection on variant pigmentation genes followed by limited gene flow. Over time, the evolution of human skin pigmentation has been influenced by the nature and course of human dispersals and modifications of cultural practices, which have modified the nature and actions of skin pigmentation genes. Throughout most of prehistory and history, the evolution of human skin pigmentation has been a contingent and non‐deterministic process.

Observations of the [C i] (3P1–3P0) emission toward the massive star-forming region RCW 38: Further evidence for highly-clumped density distribution of the molecular gas

Abstract We present observations of the 3P1–3P0 fine-structure line of atomic carbon using the ASTE 10m sub-mm telescope towards RCW 38, the youngest super star cluster in the Milky Way. The detected [C i] emission is compared with the CO J = 1–0 image cube presented in Fukui et al. (2016, ApJ, 820, 26) which has an angular resolution of 40″ (∼0.33 pc). The overall distribution of the [C i] emission in this cluster is similar to that of the 13CO emission. The optical depth of the [C i] emission was found to be τ = 0.1–0.6, suggesting mostly optically thin emission. An empirical conversion factor from the [C i] integrated intensity to the H2 column density was estimated as X[C i]$= 6.3 \times 10 ^{20}\:$cm−2 K−1 km−1 s (for visual extinction: AV ≤ 10 mag) and 1.4 × 1021 cm−2 K−1 km−1 s (for AV of 10–100 mag). The column density ratio of the [C i] to CO (N[C i]$/N_{\rm CO}$) was derived as ∼0.1 for AV of 10–100 mag, which is consistent with that of the Orion cloud presented in Ikeda et al. (2002, ApJ, 571, 560). However, our results cover an AV regime of up to 100 mag, which is wider than the coverage found in Orion, which reaches up to ∼60 mag. Such a high [C i]$/$CO ratio in a high-AV region is difficult to explain via the plane-parallel photodissociation region model, which predicts that this ratio is close to 0 due to the heavy shielding of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Our results suggest that the molecular gas in this cluster is highly clumpy, allowing deep penetration of UV radiation even at averaged AV values of 100 mag. Recent theoretical works have presented models consistent with such clumped gas distribution with a sub-pc clump size (e.g., Tachihara et al. 2018, arXiv:1811.02224).

Formation of Dust Filaments in the Diffuse Envelopes of Molecular Clouds

Abstract The path to understanding star formation processes begins with the study of the formation of molecular clouds. The outskirts of these clouds are characterized by low column densities that allow the penetration of ultraviolet radiation, resulting in a nonnegligible ionization fraction and the charging of the small dust grains that are mixed with the gas; this diffuse phase is then coupled to the ambient magnetic field. Despite the general assumption that dust and gas are tightly correlated, several observational and theoretical studies have reported variations in the dust-to-gas ratio toward diffuse and cold clouds. In this work, we present the implementation of a new charged particles module for analyzing the dust dynamics in molecular cloud envelopes. We study the evolution of a single population of small charged grains (0.05 μm) in the turbulent, magnetized molecular cloud envelope using this module. We show that variations in the dust-to-gas ratio arise due to the coupling of the grains with the magnetic field, forming elongated dust structures decoupled from the gas. This emphasizes the importance of considering the dynamics of charged dust when simulating the different phases of the interstellar medium, especially for star formation studies.

The study of patterns of inhibition native microflora of raw materials under the influence of ultraviolet radiation with different processing intensity

Ultraviolet radiation has long proven itself as a technological process that allows you to reduce a significant amount or completely inhibit unwanted microorganisms, however, this technology is mainly used for disinfection of air and surfaces in industrial enterprises. The use of food processing with ultraviolet light is poorly developed, this is due to a number of limitations, one of which is the small depth of penetration of ultraviolet radiation. This circumstance introduces a number of restrictions and requires additional research for the active introduction of UV radiation in the food industry. The aim of the work: to study the dynamics of inhibition of native microflora of raw materials during UV treatment with various doses; to determine the degree of development of residual microflora during storage of UV-treated food products. Objects of research: model media containing native microflora of raw materials and fresh mushrooms. An improved UV treatment mode is proposed to reduce the surface injury of fresh mushrooms and ensure their microbiological stability of champignons during storage. The obtained results allowed us to establish the regularities of inhibition of native microflora on the surface of model media and fresh mushrooms depending on the distance to the UV radiation source, the time of irradiation, and the accumulated dose. It is noted that the dynamics of inhibition of native microflora on the surface of model media is not linear, and "Plateau" zones are marked. When developing a technology for processing fresh mushrooms, it is recommended to use a UV source with an accumulated radiation dose of 500 Dg/m2.

Detrimental effect of UV-B radiation on growth, photosynthetic pigments, metabolites and ultrastructure of some cyanobacteria and freshwater chlorophyta

Background Global warming directly influencing ozone layer depletion, which eventually is increasing ultraviolet radiation penetration having far-reaching impacts on living biota. This particularly influences the primary producer microalgae which are the basic unit of food webs in the aquatic habitats. Therefore, it is necessary to concentrate the research at this micro-level to understand the harmful impact of increased UV-B radiation ever before. Consequently, the present attempt aimed to focus on the influence of UV-B on growth criteria, photosynthetic pigments, some metabolites, and ultrastructure of the freshwater cyanobacteria, Planktothrix cryptovaginata (Microcoleaceae), Nostoc carneum (Nostocaceae), Microcystis aeruginosa (Microcystaceae), the Chlorophyte Scenedesmus acutus (Scenedesmaceae), and the marine Cyanobacterium Microcystis (Microcystaceae). Methods The cultures of investigated algae were subjected directly to different duration periods (1, 3, 5, and 7 h) of artificial UV-B in addition to unirradiated control culture and allowed to grow for 10 days, after which the algal samples were analyzed for growth, photosynthetic activities, primary metabolities and cellular ultrastructure. Results A remarkable inhibitory influence of UV-B was observed on growth criteria (measured as optical density and dry weight) and photosynthetic pigments of P. cryptovaginata, N. carneum, M. aeruginosa, S. acutus, and marine Microcystis. Where increasing the exposure time of UV-B was accompanied by increased inhibition. The variation in carbohydrate and protein contents under UV stress was based on the exposure periods and the algal species. The variation in algal ultrastructure by UV-B stress was noticed by an Electron Microscope. Cells damage and lysis, cell wall and cell membrane ruptured and release of intracellular substances, loss of cell inclusion, plasmolysis and necrosis, or apoptosis of the algal cells were observed by exposure to 7 h of UV-B. Conclusion Exposure to UV-B has a marked harmful impact on the growth, pigments, and metabolic activity, as well as the cellular ultrastructure of some cyanobacteria and chlorophytes.

Bioremediation potential of tropical seaweeds in aquaculture: low-salinity tolerance, phosphorus content, and production of UV-absorbing compounds

Seaweeds have been studied as a bioremediation component to reduce eutrophication in aquaculture systems, but the potential and applications of seaweed aquaculture have not been fully evaluated. The present study aimed to advance the bioremediation and application potential of seaweeds in aquaculture by evaluating interspecific variations in low-salinity tolerance, phosphorus (P) content, and production of ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds. Two species of Phaeophyceae (Padina australis and Sargassum hemiphyllum) were most tolerant to low salinities, suggesting that these species would be suitable for introducing into estuarine, brackish water aquaculture systems. Considering the growth and P content, Caulerpa sertularioides was most efficient in P absorption from the ambient seawater under the common seawater salinity of 35. Two species of Rhodophyceae (Acanthophora muscoides and Hydropuntia edulis) possessed the most UV-absorbing compounds, which would contribute to the reduction in the penetration of UV radiation into aquaculture water. These results show versatile merits of seaweed introduction into aquaculture systems and suggest that suitable species should be selected considering the purpose and efficiency.

Vitamin D production in UK Caucasian and South Asian women following UVR exposure

BackgroundIt is known that skin pigmentation reduces the penetration of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and thus photosynthesis of 25-hydroxvitamin D (25(OH)D). However ethnic differences in 25(OH)D production remain to be elucidated. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate differences in vitamin D production between UK South Asian and Caucasian postmenopausal women, in response to a defined and controlled exposure to UVR. DesignSeventeen women; 9 white Caucasian (skin phototype II and III), 8 South Asian women (skin phototype IV and V) participated in the study, acting as their own controls. Three blood samples were taken for the measurement of vitamin D status during the run in period (9days, no sunbed exposure) after which, all subjects underwent an identical UVR exposure protocol irrespective of skin colour (9 days, 3 sun bed sessions, 6, 8 and 8min respectively with approximately 80% body surface exposed). Skin tone was measured four times during the study. ResultsDespite consistently lower 25(OH)D levels in South Asian women, they were shown to synthesise vitamin D as efficiently as Caucasians when exposed to the same dose of UVR. Interestingly, the baseline level of vitamin D rather than ethnicity and skin tone influenced the amount of vitamin D synthesised. ConclusionsThis study have found no ethnic differences in the synthesis of 25(OH)D, possibly due to the baseline differences in 25(OH)D concentration or due to the small population size used in this study. Applying mixed linear model, findings indicated no effect of ethnicity and skin tone on the production of vitamin D; baseline level and length of exposure were the critical factors. To confirm that ethnicity and skin tone has no effect on 25(OH)D production, a larger sample size study is required that considers other ethnic groups with highly pigmented skin. Initial vitamin D status influences the amount of UVB needed to reach equal serum concentrations.

A potential role for endogenous proteins as sacrificial sunscreens and antioxidants in human tissues

Excessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure of the skin is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Although both exogenous sunscreens and endogenous tissue components (including melanins and tryptophan-derived compounds) reduce UVR penetration, the role of endogenous proteins in absorbing environmental UV wavelengths is poorly defined. Having previously demonstrated that proteins which are rich in UVR-absorbing amino acid residues are readily degraded by broadband UVB-radiation (containing UVA, UVB and UVC wavelengths) here we hypothesised that UV chromophore (Cys, Trp and Tyr) content can predict the susceptibility of structural proteins in skin and the eye to damage by physiologically relevant doses (up to 15.4J/cm2) of solar UVR (95% UVA, 5% UVB). We show that: i) purified suspensions of UV-chromophore-rich fibronectin dimers, fibrillin microfibrils and β- and γ-lens crystallins undergo solar simulated radiation (SSR)-induced aggregation and/or decomposition and ii) exposure to identical doses of SSR has minimal effect on the size or ultrastructure of UV chromophore-poor tropoelastin, collagen I, collagen VI microfibrils and α-crystallin. If UV chromophore content is a factor in determining protein stability in vivo, we would expect that the tissue distribution of Cys, Trp and Tyr-rich proteins would correlate with regional UVR exposure. From bioinformatic analysis of 244 key structural proteins we identified several biochemically distinct, yet UV chromophore-rich, protein families. The majority of these putative UV-absorbing proteins (including the late cornified envelope proteins, keratin associated proteins, elastic fibre-associated components and β- and γ-crystallins) are localised and/or particularly abundant in tissues that are exposed to the highest doses of environmental UVR, specifically the stratum corneum, hair, papillary dermis and lens. We therefore propose that UV chromophore-rich proteins are localised in regions of high UVR exposure as a consequence of an evolutionary pressure to express sacrificial protein sunscreens which reduce UVR penetration and hence mitigate tissue damage.

18-year variability of ultraviolet radiation penetration in the mid-latitude coastal waters of the western boundary Pacific

The 18-year time-series shows in situ ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) diffuse attenuation coefficient Kd(λ) have recurrent seasonal variability of high/low attenuation during summer/winter months, respectively, dependent on variability in water column stratification and concentrations of bio-optical properties. The mid-latitude coastal survey station displayed significant seasonality of the mixed layer depth (MLD) between 12 and 82 m which modified the distribution of chlorophyll a (4.6–24.9 mg m−2) and absorption of colored dissolved organic matter [aCDOM(320 nm) 0.043–1.34 m−1]. The median Kd(320 nm) displayed significant seasonality at 0.19–0.74 m−1 (C.V. = 44.1%) and seasonal variability within the euphotic layer [Z10%(320 nm) = 7–20%]. High attenuation of UVR with relatively moderate attenuation of PAR was consistently observed during the summer months when increased concentrations of terrestrially derived CDOM coupled with a shallow MLD were present. The winter season showed the opposite of low UVR and PAR attenuation due to a relatively deeper MLD coupled with low concentrations of bio-optical properties. Although the long term Kd(λ) did not vary significantly during the time-series, analysis of the interannual variability suggests there are positive and negative phases following the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) vis-a-vis variability in bio-optical properties (p < 0.001).

Effects of ultraviolet radiation on the growth, reproduction and survival of the lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in Chesapeake Bay

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an environmental stressor that can have a variety of negative effects on aquatic organisms including slowed growth, changes in reproduction and increased mortality. The ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi is a highly transparent organism that has not been shown to actively avoid ultraviolet radiation or possess photoprotective compounds and may therefore be vulnerable to deleterious effects of UVR. Results of this study indicate that summertime UVR exposure equivalent to average UVR conditions within the top 0.5m of the water column of the Rhode River, Maryland, USA, can cause mortality and reduced size of M. leidyi. Exposures tested did not, however, affect egg production beyond that attributable to UVR effects on mortality. Experiments indicated a sharp threshold for the tolerance of M. leidyi to biologically effective UVR exposure. A biological weighting function (BWF) was experimentally determined to describe the spectral dependence of UV induced mortality. The BWF was similar to those previously reported for mesozooplankton. M. leidyi is an important component of many ecosystems; thus, changes in its population size and abundance have the potential to significantly affect coastal and estuarine food webs, and oyster, fish and sea nettle populations, in systems like Chesapeake Bay. Future scenarios of decreased eutrophication and runoff that result in reduced dissolved organic matter and particulates, will likely lead to increased amounts and penetration of UVR in coastal and estuarine systems and could increase deleterious effects of UVR on M. leidyi.

Location and timing of the deposition of egg strands by perch (Perca fluviatilisL.): the roles of lake hydrology, spawning substrate and female size

The reproduction biology of perch Perca fluviatilis was studied in relation to lake hydrology, spawning substrate and female size using SCUBA divers during late April and mid-May 2009 in Chabařovice Lake, Czech Republic. An extreme displacement of water mass, induced by a long-lasting strong wind, caused the abundance of egg strands to differ significantly between individual parts of the lake. On average, 91% of perch spawning activity occurred at depths greater than 3 m. The mean concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC ) indicated that the lake belongs to the category where DOC influencing the penetration of ultraviolet radiation, is not responsible for the deep deposition of egg strands by perch. Most probably, the avoidance of shallow depths ( and worm weed Artemisia sp. These substrates, however, reveal signs of progressive degradation and seem likely to disappear from the lake within several years.

Spatial variability of UVR attenuation and bio-optical factors in shallow coral-reef waters of Malaysia

Biologically diverse coral-reef ecosystems are both directly and indirectly susceptible to changes in the spectral ultraviolet radiation (UVR) distribution. The purpose of this study was to (1) measure the variability of UVR and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) penetration in the water above coral reefs around the Malaysian peninsula, (2) measure the variability and distribution of UVR-specific biogeochemical factors, and (3) determine the impact of biogeochemical variability as it affects the UVR:PAR ratio. Downwelling UVR and PAR irradiance and bio-optically derived biogeochemical factors were measured at 14 coral survey stations around the Malaysian peninsula from August 10–29, 2007. The West Coast was characterized by relatively shallow mean 10% UV-B (320 nm) penetration (1.68 ± 1.12 m), high chlorophyll (3.00 ± 4.72 μg l−1), high chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM; 6.61 ± 3.31 ppb), high particulate organic carbon (POC; 190.65 ± 97.99 mg m−3), and low dissolved organic carbon (DOC; 1.34 ± 0.65 mg m−3). By contrast, the East Coast was characterized by relatively deep mean 10% UV-B penetration (5.03 ± 2.19 m), low chlorophyll (0.34 ± 0.22 μg l−1), low CDOM (1.45 ± 0.44 ppb), low POC (103.21 ± 37.93 mg m−3), and relatively high DOC (1.91 ± 1.03 mg m−3). The UVR:PAR ratio was relatively higher on the East Coast relative to the West Coast, suggesting variable concentrations of UVR-specific absorbing components. At all sites, UVR attenuation coefficients showed significant correlations with CDOM, but were spatially dependent with regard to chlorophyll a, POC, and DOC. The results suggest that bio-optically significant CDOM and DOC factors are uncoupled in coral-reef communities of Malaysia. Furthermore, the results support prior studies that show chromophorically active concentrations of DOM and POC are significantly altering the amount of UVR penetration above coral reefs and may be notable factors in regulating intricate biogeochemical cycles around benthic coral communities in Malaysia.

Penetration of Ultraviolet Radiation through Clothes. (Part1)

Penetration of Ultraviolet Radiation through Clothes. (Part1)

Bacterial diversity and morphology in deep ultraoligotrophic Andean lakes: The role of UVR on vertical distribution

We investigated the community composition and the relative size‐shape distribution of bacterial assemblages in deep transparent lakes, where bacteria may be affected by harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Summer samples of the euphotic zones of nine ultraoligotrophic lakes located in different drainage basins between 40°27' and 42°49'S in the North Andean Patagonia were analyzed for relative diversity by denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis and the bacterial morphology (free‐living cocci and rods vs. filamentous forms) in relation to environmental factors (UVR, photosynthetically active radiation, temperature, nutrients, nanoflagellates, and ciliate abundances). The overall bacterial community composition was similar in all lakes and over depth in each lake. In contrast, the relative proportion of filaments to total bacterial biovolume was higher in the upper layers, which have higher UVR intensities (305‐340 nm). Lakes with lower Κd305 (diffuse extinction coefficient, 305 nm) showed a greater proportion of filaments. Filament mean length in the upper layers was also significantly greater than at deeper levels. There was a significant correlation between UVR and filament proportion, whereas neither nanopredator abundances (nanoflagellates and ciliates), nor predation pressure, nor resources (dissolved nutrients) could explain the high proportion of filamentation in the near‐surface layers. We propose that UVR plays a decisive role stimulating bacterial filamentation, particularly in lakes with high UVR penetration.

Penetration of ultraviolet radiation in streams of eastern Pennsylvania: Topographic controls and the role of suspended particulates

Penetration of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in stream ecosystems is determined by the concen- tration and optical properties of suspended sediment and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This study documents the base-flow optical environment of 37 first- and second-order tributaries distributed throughout the Lehigh River watershed, eastern Pennsylvania, over a four year period. We measured a large range of attenuation coefficients (Kd380: 0.68 - 151.1 m -1 ,K d320: 0.95 - 316.2 m -1 ) and 1 % transmission depths (2 cm - 147 cm). In addition, we quantified the significance of particulate material in UVR attenu- ation in streams, which generally accounted for 10 - 30 % of attenuation for the UV-B waveband. Our results indicated that basin morphology, particularly mean watershed slope (MWS), was highly correlated with UVR penetration (MWS:Kd320 ,r 2 = 0.68, P < 0.0001), DOC concentration (MWS:DOC, r 2 = 0.65, P < 0.0001), and DOC optical quality (MWS:Fluores- cence Index, r 2 = 0.71, P < 0.0001). The fact that these relationships are robust across a variety of watersheds that differ in land use, forest coverage, and wetland coverage, indicates that the geomorphic coevolution of hillslope form and process exert a strong control on stream optical environments via the establishment of hydrologic and edaphic conditions. Agricultural land use exerts secondary, but discernable effects on DOC concentration (% Agriculture:DOC, r 2 = 0.39, P = 0.012) and optical quality (% Agriculture:Fluores- cence Index, r 2 = 0.32, P = 0.036) in watersheds devoid of wetlands.