MP3 Ecological Relevance of Photo-enhanced Toxicity
Ballroom G, Level 4
2:10 PM - 5:30 PM, Monday, 10 November 2003
Chair: Barron, Mace ,
(113) Solar radiation intensities and water attenuation coefficients in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
Oris, J1, Stubblefield, W2, Smith, C1, Maki, A3, 1 Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA2 Parametrix, Corvallis, OR, USA3 ExxonMobil, Anchorage, AK, USA
ABSTRACT- The photo-induced toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is determined by the body dose levels of both PAH and actinic solar radiation. In remote areas that may be subject to PAH impacts, predictive atmospheric models have been the only source of information concerning solar radiation dose. To determine levels of solar radiation in a remote subarctic marine ecosystem, broad-band and full spectrum radiation intensities and water attenuation coefficients were measured in a variety of waters in western Prince William Sound, AK. Surface intensities averaged approximately 20% of maximum levels predicted by the SBDART model. Water attenuation coefficients ranged between 0.5 1/m in open waters to 51 1/m in tidal pools containing high concentrations of dissolved organic material (DOM). Spectral analysis indicated that DOM strongly attenuated radiation in the ultraviolet wavelengths. These data will be used to present a predictive model of photo-induced PAH toxicity in Prince William Sound. The predictive model will be compared to laboratory and in situ toxicity tests using larval and juvenile Pacific Herring.
Key words: UV, Solar Radiation, Prince William Sound, Phototoxicity