Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS21 Ultraviolet Radiation and the Aquatic Biota (Disciplinary Connections)

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2001, Time: 4:45:00 PM

Location: Galisteo

Johnson, L, B, University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA, ljohnson@d.umn.edu

Peterson, G, S, University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA, gpeterso@nrri.umn.edu

Axler, R, P, University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA, raxler@nrri.umn.edu

Diamond, S, , EPA - MED, Duluth, USA, diamond.steve@epamail.epa.gov

Ruzycki, E, M, University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA, eruzycki@nrri.umn.edu

IN SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IN RANA PIPIENS (LEOPARD FROG) HABITATS.

Stratospheric ozone has decreased in recent decades, increasing UV-B levels. Amphibians reproduce and lay eggs in the spring when ambient UV-B level is elevated. Several authors speculate that exposure of developing embryos and larvae to elevated UV-B may be responsible for declines in some species, and studies have demonstrated that DOC is the key parameter responsible for UV attenuation in lakes. Unfortunately, few data exist describing UV attenuation in ponds and wetlands, which are characterized by higher concentrations of DOC. We refined existing UV-B attenuation models based on data from wetlands ranging from 4.8 - 38 mg DOC/l. In addition, dosimeters for measuring cumulative dose of UV-B were developed for field applications. Both UV-B extinction coefficients and cumulative dose estimates were determined in open water and vegetative habitats. These tools will assist in the development of more accurate exposure and ecological risk assessment models for amphibian decline.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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