The Effect of solar UV on lipids in the planktonic food chain of polar freshwater ponds

Updated 2004-03-29

Plankton of shallow polar freshwater water bodies is exposed to increasing levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) due to the limited water depth. Daphnia (Crustacea, waterflea) and algae are common representatives of the food chain in these water bodies. Daphnia almost exclusively use lipids for energy storage, which they obtain from their food (mainly algae). Therefore, Daphnia and algae are closely linked to each other. Preliminary experiments on the UV-induced damage in phyto- and zooplankton point to lipids as one of the key players. With this application we want to identify how algae specific lipids and fatty acids (FA) are modified by UVR. The factors modifying UV-doses to the animals and their food are depth of the waterbody and DOC (absorbs UV). A pondsurvey shall provide a wide spectrum on ponds which vary in DOC and depth. Lipid analysis of Daphnia and their food of these ponds as well as physical parameters of the pond waters shall identify correlations between UV-exposure and specific fatty acids. This shall enable us to estimate the effect of solar UVR on the freshwater plankton community in polar ponds.

Time frame

Status
Planned
Project time span
2004 - 2005
Data collection
not specified
Data processing
not specified
Data reporting
not specified

Contact information

Contact person
Iris D. Zellmer
Address
Institute of Plantphysiology Martin Luther-University Weinbergweg 10 D-06120 Haelle/Saale Germany
Phone
0049-345-5526252
Fax
0049-345-5527245
Email
ed.ellah-inu.syhpneznalfp@remllez

Parameters and Media

Not specified

Geography

Regions studied
Svalbard
Svalbard

Data availability

Samples/specimens archived in specimen banks?
No

Methods & Procedures

Not specified

Additional Information

Is this a bi- AND multi-lateral project (i.e. a project involving cooperation between different countries)?
No
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