Interactive effects of solar UV radiation and climate change on biogeochemical cycling

Formation of hydroxyl radicals by irradiated 1-nitronaphthalene (1NN): oxidation of hydroxyl ions and water by the 1NN triplet state

The excited triplet state of 1-nitronaphthalene ((3)1NN*) reacts with OH(-) with a second-order reaction rate constant of (1.66 ± 0.08)×10(7) M(-1) s(-1) (μ±σ). The reaction yields the ˙OH radical and the radical anion 1NN(-)˙. In aerated solution, the radical 1NN(-)˙ would react with O(2) to finally produce H(2)O(2) upon hydroperoxide/superoxide disproportionation. The photolysis of H(2)O(2) is another potential source of ˙OH, but such a pathway would be a minor one in circumneutral (pH 6.5) or in basic solution ([OH(-)] = 0.3-0.5 M). The oxidation of H(2)O by (3)1NN*, with rate constant 3.8 ± 0.3 M(-1) s(-1), could be the main ˙OH source at pH 6.5.

Transparent Poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO2 Nanocomposites for UV-Shielding Applications

Transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/TiO2 nanocomposites have been prepared by solution mixing PMMA with organically soluble titania xerogel. The organically soluble titania xerogel in the form of amorphous phase has been synthesized via a simple sol-gel method, involving hydrolysis of tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and gelation. The obtained PMMA/TiO2 nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetry (TG) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that the interaction between titania nanoparticles and PMMA macromolecular chains led to a homogeneous dispersion of TiO2 in PMMA matrix. The resulting PMMA/TiO2 nanocomposites showed improved thermal stability, high transparency and high UV-shielding efficiency with a small amount of titania xerogel (£3.0 wt%). The present work is of interest for developing a series of transparent UV-shielding nanocomposites.

Effect of humic substance photoalteration on lead bioavailability to freshwater microalgae

The present study provides results on the influence of humic substance (HS) photoalteration on lead availability to the freshwater microalga Chlorella kesslerii . The evolution of the free lead-ion concentrations measured by the ion exchange technique [Pb](IET) and intracellular lead contents was explored in the presence of Suwannee River humic (SRHA) and fulvic (SRFA) acids, as well as Aldrich humic acid (AHA) exposed at increasing radiance doses under a solar simulator. Modifications of HS characteristics highly relevant to Pb complexation and accumulation of HS to algal surfaces, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were followed. It was demonstrated that simulated sunlight exposure of HS increased [Pb](IET) in the medium for SRFA and SRHA, but had no effect for AHA. No clear relationship was observed between the changes in free lead-ion concentrations and intracellular content in alga for all studied HS, suggesting that HS photodegradation products also exhibit Pb complexation properties, and that direct interactions between HS and alga are affected. Indeed, photoalteration of humic substances reduced the adsorption of HS to the algal surface; the effect was more pronounced for SRFA and AHA and less significant for SRHA. The bioavailability results were consistent with the characterization of the phototransformation of humic substances: Pb speciation changes followed the modification of the relative abundance of the carboxylic groups and their molecular environment, while the reduced HS adsorption to the alga correlated with losses of the double bond abundance and aromaticity.

UV-B modulates the interplay between terpenoids and flavonoids in peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.)

Modulation of secondary metabolites by UV-B involves changes in gene expression, enzyme activity and accumulation of defence metabolites. After exposing peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) plants grown in field (FP) and in a growth chamber (GCP) to UV-B irradiation, we analysed by qRT-PCR the expression of genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis and encoding: 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (Dxs), 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (Mds), isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (Ippi), geranyl diphosphate synthase (Gpps), (-)-limonene synthase (Ls), (-)-limonene-3-hydroxylase (L3oh), (+)-pulegone reductase (Pr), (-)-menthone reductase (Mr), (+)-menthofuran synthase (Mfs), farnesyl diphosphate synthase (Fpps) and a putative sesquiterpene synthase (S-TPS). GCP always showed a higher terpenoid content with respect to FP. We found that in both FP and GCP, most of these genes were regulated by the UV-B treatment. The amount of most of the essential oil components, which were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), was not correlated to gene expression. The total phenol composition was found to be always increased after UV-B irradiation; however, FP always showed a higher phenol content with respect to GCP. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analyses revealed the presence of UV-B absorbing flavonoids such as eriocitrin, hesperidin, and kaempferol 7-O-rutinoside whose content significantly increased in UV-B irradiated FP, when compared to GCP. The results of this work show that UV-B irradiation differentially modulates the expression of genes involved in peppermint essential oil biogenesis and the content of UV-B absorbing flavonoids. Plants grown in field were better adapted to increasing UV-B irradiation than plants cultivated in growth chambers. The interplay between terpenoid and phenylpropanoid metabolism is also discussed.

Spatio-temporal variation in the characteristics of dissolved organic matter in the streams of boreal forests: impacts on modelled copper speciation

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important constituent of natural waters that controls numerous biogeochemical processes such as the toxicity and mobility of metals. In order to predict how metals behave in the presence of DOM, it is necessary to understand its acidic properties. In this study, we report the variations in the acid character of aquatic organic acids using 30 years of sampling data collected from three boreal streams. Based on a charge balance model, significant spatial and temporal variation in carboxylic acid site density was observed. The seasonal average carboxylic group density ranged from 8.01 +/- 1.47 to 12.0 +/- 1.90 microeq mg C(-1) and the overall (multi-site) average site density (winter excluded) was 9.66 +/- 0.125 microeq mg C(-1) (n = 3193). Both different sources of DOM and seasonal differences in source availability were found to contribute to variations in site density. In the deciduous catchment where wetland contributions to DOM were negligible, the seasonal variability in site density was highly marked with increases of up to 50% observed between spring and fall. Less seasonal variation was noted at the coniferous sites, which had relatively high wetland source contributions. The geochemical equilibrium speciation model MINTEQA2 showed that the increase in site density observed from winter to fall coincided with a decrease in free copper concentration. We conclude that some source-based differences in DOM that may result from variation in both catchment characteristics and seasonal DOC loadings necessitate the determination of location-specific and/or seasonal site density values due to the resulting variability in metal speciation that has been predicted through modelling.

Optical properties of humic substances and CDOM: effects of borohydride reduction

Treatment of Suwanee River humic (SRHA) and fulvic (SRFA) acids, a commercial lignin (LAC), and a series of solid phase extracts (C18) from the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB extracts) with sodium borohydride (NaBH(4)), a selective reductant of carbonyl-containing compounds including quinones and aromatic ketones, produces a preferential loss of visible absorption (> or = 50% for SRFA) and substantially enhanced, blue-shifted fluorescence emission (2- to 3-fold increase). Comparison of the results with those obtained from a series of model quinones and hydroquinones demonstrates that these spectral changes cannot be assigned directly to the absorption and emission of visible light by quinones/hydroquinones. Instead, these results are consistent with a charge transfer model in which the visible absorption is due primarily to charge transfer transitions arising among hydroxy- (methoxy-) aromatic donors and carbonyl-containing acceptors. Unlike most of the model hydroquinones, the changes in optical properties of the natural samples following NaBH(4) reduction were largely irreversible in the presence of air and following addition of a Cu(2+) catalyst, providing tentative evidence that aromatic ketones (or other similar carbonyl-containing structures) may play a more important role than quinones in the optical properties of these materials.

Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2009

The parties to the Montreal Protocol are informed by three panels of experts. One of these is the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP), which deals with UV radiation and its effects on human health, animals, plants, biogeochemistry, air quality and materials. Since 2000, the analyses and interpretation of these effects have included interactions between UV radiation and global climate change. When considering the effects of climate change, it has become clear that processes resulting in changes in stratospheric ozone are more complex than believed previously. As a result of this, human health and environmental problems will likely be longer-lasting and more regionally variable. Like the other panels, the EEAP produces a detailed report every four years; the most recent was that for 2006 (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2007, 6, 201-332). In the years in between, the EEAP produces a less detailed and shorter progress report, as is the case for this present one for 2009. A full quadrennial report will follow for 2010.

Effects of environmental and artificial UV-B radiation on freshwater prawn Macrobrachium olfersi embryos

The recent decrease of the stratospheric ozone has resulted in an increase of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation reaching the Earth's surface. In freshwater ecosystems with transparent water, UV-B rays easily penetrate and potentially cause harmful effects to organisms. In this study, embryos of the prawn Macrobrachium olfersi were used to evaluate the impact of UV-B rays in freshwater environments. We observed three groups of embryos: the first was to assess whether UV-B radiation produced morphological defects and/or biochemical impairments in the laboratory. The second was to check whether embryos with the same impairments as those observed in the laboratory were found in their environment, under natural solar radiation. The third group was the non-irradiated control. The embryos irradiated with 310 mW cm(-2) UV-B for 30 min showed morphological alterations similar to those observed in embryos from the environmental control group. The most important effects of the UV-B radiation observed in M. olfersi embryos were morphological (1.2% of the total number of embryos from the environment and 2.8% of the total number of irradiated embryos), pigmentation changes in the eyes (78.0% of the total number of embryos from the environment and 98.9% of the total number of irradiated embryos), and disruption of the chromatophores (46.9% of the total number of embryos from the environment and 95.5% of the total number of irradiated embryos). We also observed an increase in egg volume, which was accompanied by a significant increase in water content in UV-B irradiated groups when compared with aquaria control embryos. In addition, a significant decrease in the mitotic index in eggs exposed to UV-B radiation was detected (0.17 for the embryos from the aquaria control, 0.10 for the embryos of the environmental control, and 0.04 for the irradiated groups). The low levels of NPSH and high levels of TBARS indicated that UV-B rays directly compromised the antioxidant function of the embryonic cells, leading to oxidative stress. Our combined morphological and biochemical analyses revealed important effects induced by UV-B on M. olfersi embryos, and the results suggest that the recent changes in global conditions may have injurious effects, at least on the embryos of freshwater prawns.

Influence of growth temperature and starvation state on survival and DNA damage induction in the marine bacterium Sphingopyxis alaskensis exposed to UV radiation

Despite the considerable volume of literature describing the individual effects of temperature or UV light on aquatic bacteria, little is known about their combined effects. The current study was conducted to learn about the effects of growth temperature and duration of starvation on the response of a marine bacterium, Sphingopyxis alaskensis to UV-B or simulated solar radiation. Cells grown at 12 degrees C or 24 degrees C, and harvested at early or late stationary phase, were exposed to UV-B or simulated solar radiation (>290 nm). The predominant forms of UV-induced DNA damage, namely cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6-4) photoproducts (6-4PP s), were quantified using a HPLC-mass spectrometry. While the commonly accepted view that DNA damage induced by UV-B radiation is temperature-independent, we observed in S. alaskensis that the yield of photoproducts for 12 degrees C was generally lower than for cells grown at 24 degrees C. The relative distribution of DNA photoproducts also varied with growth temperature, with an increased formation of TC 6-4PP for late compared to early stationary phase cells. In contrast, with the exception of cultures grown at 12 degrees C exposed to simulated solar radiation, the duration of stationary phase had no effect on total photoproduct formation. Collectively, these data indicate that growth temperature has more effect than duration of starvation on the formation of photoproducts in S. alaskensis.

Effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on the distribution of mineral elements in soybean (Glycine max) seedlings

In order to understand the effect of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on plant, the accumulated amount of dry matter and the distribution of the mineral elements in the different organs of soybean seedlings treated with UV-B radiation were investigated using the inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results indicated that the accumulated amount of dry matter in root, stem and leaf of soybean seedlings treated with UV-B radiation during the stress and recovery period was lower than that of the control soybean. Moreover, the content of macroelements in the root, stem and leaf of soybean seedlings during the stress period and recovery period were decreased comparing with that of the control soybean. The change in the contents of microelements depended on the intensity of UV-B radiation, the organs of soybean and the treating period. Finally, the results from the stepwise regression analysis indicated that the content of specific microelements also affected the accumulation of dry matter in the soybean seedlings treated with UV-B radiation comparing with the contents of macroelements in the control soybean. The relationship between the contents of mineral elements and the accumulation of dry matter depended on the intensity of UV-B radiation and the organs of soybean. These results demonstrated that UV-B radiation induced the change in the distribution of mineral elements in root, stem and leaf, leading to the decrease in the accumulation of dry matter and then the inhibition of soybean growth. It was a possible effect mechanism of UV-B radiation on plant.

Phragmites australis root secreted phytotoxin undergoes photo-degradation to execute severe phytotoxicity

Our study organism, Phragmites australis (common reed), is a unique invader in that both native and introduced lineages are found coexisting in North America. This allows one to make direct assessments of physiological differences between these different subspecies and examine how this relates to invasiveness. Recent efforts to understand plant invasive behavior show that some invasive plants secrete a phytotoxin to ward-off encroachment by neighboring plants (allelopathy) and thus provide the invaders with a competitive edge in a given habitat. Here we show that a varying climatic factor like ultraviolet (UV) light leads to photo-degradation of secreted phytotoxin (gallic acid) in P. australis rhizosphere inducing higher mortality of susceptible seedlings. The photo-degraded product of gallic acid (hereafter GA), identified as mesoxalic acid (hereafter MOA), triggered a similar cell death cascade in susceptible seedlings as observed previously with GA. Further, we detected the biological concentrations of MOA in the natural stands of exotic and native P. australis. Our studies also show that the UV degradation of GA is facilitated at an alkaline pH, suggesting that the natural habitat of P. australis may facilitate the photo-degradation of GA. The study highlights the persistence of the photo-degraded phytotoxin in the P. australis's rhizosphere and its inhibitory effects against the native plants.

Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2008

After the enthusiastic celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 2007, the work for the protection of the ozone layer continues. The Environmental Effects Assessment Panel is one of the three expert panels within the Montreal Protocol. This EEAP deals with the increase of the UV irradiance on the Earth's surface and its effects on human health, animals, plants, biogeochemistry, air quality and materials. For the past few years, interactions of ozone depletion with climate change have also been considered. It has become clear that the environmental problems will be long-lasting. In spite of the fact that the worldwide production of ozone depleting chemicals has already been reduced by 95%, the environmental disturbances are expected to persist for about the next half a century, even if the protective work is actively continued, and completed. The latest full report was published in Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2007, 6, 201-332, and the last progress report in Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2008, 7, 15-27. The next full report on environmental effects is scheduled for the year 2010. The present progress report 2008 is one of the short interim reports, appearing annually.

Combined effect of ultraviolet-B radiation and cadmium contamination on nutrient uptake and photosynthetic pigments in Brassica campestris L. seedlings

Environmental and industrial pollution along with increase in ground level UV-B radiation, because of stratospheric ozone depletion, present multiple stresses, which may affect crop photosynthesis and productivity. The present study was undertaken to see interactive effects of heavy metal contamination (Cd(2+)) and UV-B exposure on essential nutrient (Ca(2+), Mg(2+), K(+)) uptake, biomass, and chlorophyll content in mustard (Brassica campestris L.) seedlings. Plants grown in 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg L(-1) Cd(2+) supplemented medium were exposed to UV-B for 30 min (0.4 mW cm(-2)) per day. The interactive effect of two stresses measured after 5 and 10 days showed an overall decline in biomass. Under dual stress (5 mg Cd(2+) L(-1)) significant (P < 0.001) decrease in chlorophyll a (43%), chlorophyll b (23%), and carotenoid (53%) was observed. Ca(2+) uptake was reduced by 51% in roots under high doses of Cd(2+) (5 mg L(-1)) and simultaneous exposure to 0.4 mW cm(-2) UV-B for 10 days. Mg(2+) content was reduced by 48% and K(+) by 62% under similar exposure conditions. Decline in nutrient uptake in Brassica campestris L. seedlings was observed both in root and shoot leaf in the initial growth period under controlled lab conditions. Cadmium ion (Cd(2+)) uptake was significantly enhanced by 33% (P < 0.001) in the presence of UV-B. The findings are significant as multiple stress conditions prevalent in the environment play an important role during the early growth period, a period critical for crop yield.

Changes in optical properties caused by UV-irradiation of aquatic humic substances from the amazon river basin: seasonal variability evaluation

Aquatic humic substances (AHS) isolated from two characteristic seasons of the Negro river, winter and summer corresponding to floody and dry periods, were structurally characterized by 13C nuclear magnetic ressonance. Subsequently, AHS aqueous solutions were irradiated with a polychromatic lamp (290-475 nm) and monitored by its total organic carbon (TOC) content, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorbance, fluorescence, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). As a result, a photobleaching up to 80% after irradiation of 48 h was observed. Conformational rearrangements and formation of low molecular complexity structures were formed during the irradiation, as deduced from the pH decrement and the fluorescence shifting to lower wavelengths. Additionally a significant mineralization with the formation of CO2, CO, and inorganic carbon compounds was registered, as assumed by TOC losses of up to 70%. The differences in photodegradation between samples expressed by photobleaching efficiency were enhanced in the summer sample and related to its elevated aromatic content. Aromatic structures are assumed to have high autosensitization capacity effects mediated by the free radical generation from quinone and phenolic moieties.

Changes in biologically-active ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface

The Montreal Protocol is working. Concentrations of major ozone-depleting substances in the atmosphere are now decreasing, and the decline in total column amounts seen in the 1980s and 1990s at mid-latitudes has not continued. In polar regions, there is much greater natural variability. Each spring, large ozone holes continue to occur in Antarctica and less severe regions of depleted ozone continue to occur in the Arctic. There is evidence that some of these changes are driven by changes in atmospheric circulation rather than being solely attributable to reductions in ozone-depleting substances, which may indicate a linkage to climate change. Global ozone is still lower than in the 1970s and a return to that state is not expected for several decades. As changes in ozone impinge directly on UV radiation, elevated UV radiation due to reduced ozone is expected to continue over that period. Long-term changes in UV-B due to ozone depletion are difficult to verify through direct measurement, but there is strong evidence that UV-B irradiance increased over the period of ozone depletion. At unpolluted sites in the southern hemisphere, there is some evidence that UV-B irradiance has diminished since the late 1990s. The availability and temporal extent of UV data have improved, and we are now able to evaluate the changes in recent times compared with those estimated since the late 1920s, when ozone measurements first became available. The increases in UV-B irradiance over the latter part of the 20th century have been larger than the natural variability. There is increased evidence that aerosols have a larger effect on surface UV-B radiation than previously thought. At some sites in the Northern Hemisphere, UV-B irradiance may continue to increase because of continuing reductions in aerosol extinctions since the 1990s. Interactions between ozone depletion and climate change are complex and can be mediated through changes in chemistry, radiation, and atmospheric circulation patterns. The changes can be in both directions: ozone changes can affect climate, and climate change can affect ozone. The observational evidence suggests that stratospheric ozone (and therefore UV-B) has responded relatively quickly to changes in ozone-depleting substances, implying that climate interactions have not delayed this process. Model calculations predict that at mid-latitudes a return of ozone to pre-1980 levels is expected by the mid 21st century. However, it may take a decade or two longer in polar regions. Climate change can also affect UV radiation through changes in cloudiness and albedo, without involving ozone and since temperature changes over the 21st century are likely to be about 5 times greater than in the past century. This is likely to have significant effects on future cloud, aerosol and surface reflectivity. Consequently, unless strong mitigation measures are undertaken with respect to climate change, profound effects on the biosphere and on the solar UV radiation received at the Earth's surface can be anticipated. The future remains uncertain. Ozone is expected to increase slowly over the decades ahead, but it is not known whether ozone will return to higher levels, or lower levels, than those present prior to the onset of ozone depletion in the 1970s. There is even greater uncertainty about future UV radiation, since it will be additionally influenced by changes in aerosols and clouds.

Effects of solar UV radiation on aquatic ecosystems and interactions with climate change

Recent results continue to show the general consensus that ozone-related increases in UV-B radiation can negatively influence many aquatic species and aquatic ecosystems (e.g., lakes, rivers, marshes, oceans). Solar UV radiation penetrates to ecological significant depths in aquatic systems and can affect both marine and freshwater systems from major biomass producers (phytoplankton) to consumers (e.g., zooplankton, fish, etc.) higher in the food web. Many factors influence the depth of penetration of radiation into natural waters including dissolved organic compounds whose concentration and chemical composition are likely to be influenced by future climate and UV radiation variability. There is also considerable evidence that aquatic species utilize many mechanisms for photoprotection against excessive radiation. Often, these protective mechanisms pose conflicting selection pressures on species making UV radiation an additional stressor on the organism. It is at the ecosystem level where assessments of anthropogenic climate change and UV-related effects are interrelated and where much recent research has been directed. Several studies suggest that the influence of UV-B at the ecosystem level may be more pronounced on community and trophic level structure, and hence on subsequent biogeochemical cycles, than on biomass levels per se.

Terrestrial ecosystems, increased solar ultraviolet radiation, and interactions with other climate change factors

There have been significant advances in our understanding of the effects of UV-B radiation on terrestrial ecosystems, especially in the description of mechanisms of plant response. A further area of highly interesting research emphasizes the importance of indirect UV radiation effects on plants, pathogens, herbivores, soil microbes and ecosystem processes below the surface. Although photosynthesis of higher plants and mosses is seldom affected by enhanced or reduced UV-B radiation in most field studies, effects on growth and morphology (form) of higher plants and mosses are often manifested. This can lead to small reductions in shoot production and changes in the competitive balance of different species. Fungi and bacteria are generally more sensitive to damage by UV-B radiation than are higher plants. However, the species differ in their UV-B radiation sensitivity to damage, some being affected while others may be very tolerant. This can lead to changes in species composition of microbial communities with subsequent influences on processes such as litter decomposition. Changes in plant chemical composition are commonly reported due to UV-B manipulations (either enhancement or attenuation of UV-B in sunlight) and may lead to substantial reductions in consumption of plant tissues by insects. Although sunlight does not penetrate significantly into soils, the biomass and morphology of plant root systems of plants can be modified to a much greater degree than plant shoots. Root mass can exhibit sizeable declines with more UV-B. Also, UV-B-induced changes in soil microbial communities and biomass, as well as altered populations of small invertebrates have been reported and these changes have important implications for mineral nutrient cycling in the soil. Many new developments in understanding the underlying mechanisms mediating plant response to UV-B radiation have emerged. This new information is helpful in understanding common responses of plants to UV-B radiation, such as diminished growth, acclimation responses of plants to UV-B radiation and interactions of plants with consumer organisms such as insects and plant pathogens. The response to UV-B radiation involves both the initial stimulus by solar radiation and transmission of signals within the plants. Resulting changes in gene expression induced by these signals may have elements in common with those elicited by other environmental factors, and generate overlapping functional (including acclimation) responses. Concurrent responses of terrestrial systems to the combination of enhanced UV-B radiation and other global change factors (increased temperature, CO2, available nitrogen and altered precipitation) are less well understood. Studies of individual plant responses to combinations of factors indicate that plant growth can be augmented by higher CO2 levels, yet many of the effects of UV-B radiation are usually not ameliorated by the elevated CO2. UV-B radiation often increases both plant frost tolerance and survival under extreme high temperature conditions. Conversely, extreme temperatures sometimes influence the UV-B radiation sensitivity of plants directly. Plants that endure water deficit stress effectively are also likely to be tolerant of high UV-B flux. Biologically available nitrogen is exceeding historical levels in many regions due to human activities. Studies show that plants well supplied with nitrogen are generally more sensitive to UV-B radiation. Technical issues concerning the use of biological spectral weighting functions (BSWFs) have been further elucidated. The BSWFs, which are multiplication factors assigned to different wavelengths giving an indication of their relative biological effectiveness, are critical to the proper conduct and interpretation of experiments in which organisms are exposed to UV radiation, both in the field and in controlled environment facilities. The characteristics of BSWFs vary considerably among different plant processes, such as growth, DNA damage, oxidative damage and induction of changes in secondary chemicals. Thus, use of a single BSWF for plant or ecosystem response is not appropriate. This brief review emphasizes progress since the previous report toward the understanding of solar ultraviolet radiation effects on terrestrial systems as it relates to ozone column reduction and the interaction of climate change factors.