The increase in UV-B radiation over the last couple of
decades could cause disastrous effects for the environment. Amphibian populations
all over the world are experiencing a sharp decline, and many scientist
speculate that this could be because of increased UV-B radiation, as amphibian
eggs are transparent and highly susceptible.
Many plants
have shown a decrease in photosynthetic activity when bombarded with increased
levels of UV-B radiation. Photosynthesis is a integral part of the food cycle
as plants can create sugar from water and sunlight. However, loss of this
ability would prove disastrous. Although genetic engineering shows promise for
developing UV-B resistant plants, the repercussions of unleashing such plants
include the imbalance of the ecosystem.
A shift in competitive balance could have consequences unknown and
perhaps dangerous. Although, with increased levels of UV-B radiation, those
plants with resistance to UV-B could disrupt the balance anyways.
Effects on Aquatic Life Probably the biggest problem caused by the increase in UV-B
radiation on the aquatic ecosystem is the harm sustained to phytoplankton.
Phytoplankton live in the euphotic level of the sea, where there is enough
light to have photosynthetic processes.
Phytoplankton are the most important
biomass producers in aquatic systems. When increased levels o f UV-B radiation come down, phytoplankton experience a
decrease in mobility and orientation. This decrease results in reduced survival
rates for phytoplankton.
Also,
increased levels of UV-B radiation reaching the ocean have been shown to
disturb the developmental stages of some marine organisms (shrimp, fish, etc.).
This is a picture of earth with the vegetation of Earth
superimposed on it.
Source: NASA
Crops show a considerable susceptibility. Here is a bean in
some fields in Greece.
Source: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/airweb/ozone/ozimg.htm
Sources:
http://www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/science/effects.html ;
http://www.gcrio.org/ozone/chapter4.pdf ;
http://www.greennature.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=My_eGallery&file=index&do=showpic&pid=139&orderby=titleA
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