A continuous culture system for the study of UV-B effects on microalgae
A. Veen
A laboratory culture system has been developed for the investigation of UV-B effects on microalgae. Flat geometry characterizes the system and allows accurate dosimetry. Natural sinusoid light regimes can be simulated by computer- controlled Venetian blinds. Photosynthetically available radiation is provided by a high-intensity light source. A method, based on Monte Carlo analysis, is presented for the calculation of scalar irradiance inside the culture. To select experimental irradiance levels, a model is described for the calculation of UV-B irradiance as a function of time, latitude and atmospheric conditions. Extraterrestrial irradiance data (280-350 nm) are incorporated at a spectral resolution of 1 nm. The model shows acceptable agreement with measurements in the Atlantic.
Keywords: Continuous culture system, microalgae, radiation model, Monte Carlo analysis, UV-B radiation, solar light simulation.
Sci. Mar. 60(Suppl.1) : 89-93
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