Abstract
UV-B irradiation reduced the levels of omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω3), in microalgae; the degree of reduction varied with species.Chaetoceros calcitrans andSkeletonema costatum were high UV-B tolerant species, followed byPhaeodactylum tricornutum, Chroomonas salina, Pavlova lutheri, andThalassiosira pseudonana.Isochrysis galbana (T.ISO) andProrocentrum micans were UV- B sensitive. Cells in logarithmic phase were most sensitive to UV- B irradiation. Nitrate-, phosphate-, or sulphate-starved cells were more UV-B sensitive than non-starved cells grown in a complete basal medium. A relatively short exposure to high UV-B was more damaging than a longer exposure to lower irradiance. Visible light intensity levels had a profound impact on the sensitivity of microalgal cultures to UV-B, with high levels decreasing UV-B dependent damage. Addition of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine or spermine) or an amino acid (cysteine) to the culture medium minimized the reduction of omega-3 fatty acid content in microalgae caused by UV-B irradiation.
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Wang, K.S., Chai, Tj. Reduction in omega-3 fatty acids by UV-B irradiation in microalgae. J Appl Phycol 6, 415–422 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02182158
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02182158