Comparison of UVB effects on growth and induction of UVB screening compounds in isolates of metaphytic algae from temperate zone streams and ponds

Filaments in the surface layers of metaphytic mats are exposed to high photon flux densities of PAR and UVBR . We investigated the effect of UVBR  exposure on growth of eight isolates of common metaphytic algae ( Cladophora , Mougeotia , Oedogonium , Pithophora , Spirogyra , and Zygnema ) acclimated to either high or low PAR levels prior to UVBR exposure. All isolates acclimated to low PAR exhibited significant reductions in growth rate caused by the UVBR exposure ( P  < 0.05). Acclimation to high PAR resulted in seven of the isolates being more tolerant of the UVB exposure. The two Zygnema isolates exhibited the most pronounced effect of high PAR acclimation with growth rates of UVB exposed treatments being equal to that of controls ( P  > 0.05). High PAR acclimation also protected chlorophyll a levels in the Zygnema isolates. Absorption of UVB by methanol extracts increased 322%–381% for the two Zygnema isolates when high PAR acclimated. The broad absorption peak at 270 nm suggests that phenolic compounds were responsible. Previous studies have shown that Zygnema isolates from extreme environments tolerate UVBR and contain UVB screening compounds, but our results extend these adaptions to Zygnema from typical temperate zone habitats. Although none of the other metaphytic algae produced UVB absorbing compounds, they all exhibited higher growth rates under UVBR exposure following high PAR acclimation. This suggests that the algae evaluated have inducible defenses against UVBR exposure that coupled with their mat structure would provide an adaption to the challenging light environment in shallow‐water habitats.