Effect of Ultraviolet (UV)-B Radiation on Morphology and Photosynthetic Activity of Spirogyra sp.

Abstract

Spirogyra sp. is phytoplankton species belonging to chlorophyceae group and also use as a bioindicator. They are very sensitive to overexposure from solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In this study, Spirogyra sp. was collected from freshwater and then cultured in the Pringsheims Medium. The aim of the present study was to find out the impact of ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation on morphology and photosynthetic activity of Spirogyra sp. For this different experimental setup were divided on the basis of time duration. Exposure duration was 2 h/day for six groups except control. Reading of artificial UV-B was recorded at 5th, 10th and 15th day respectively and one is kept as control (covered with acrylic sheet to avoid any light penetration). After 15th days of artificial UV-B exposure it is observed that chlorophyll content decreased and carotenoid increased. Maximum effect and fragmentation were observed after 15th day of artificial UV-B exposure. The study provides basic scientific data about the impacts of UV-B radiations on aquatic ecosystem.