Interactive Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation and Dissolved Organic Carbon on Phytoplankton Growth and Photosynthesis in Sanya Bay, Northern South China Sea

The effects of a simulated climate change scenario, i.e., increased ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), on the growth and photosynthesis of tropical coastal phytoplankton were evaluated in Sanya Bay, northern South China Sea, in summer. Microcosm experiments were conducted at two contrasting stations (Stns S1 and S2) with three different UVR treatments and two DOC addition treatments. Our results showed that natural sunlight UVR or increased UV-B did not affect phytoplankton biomass and primary production. However, increased UV-B significantly decreased the proportion of picophytoplankton and the efficiency of carbon fixation at Stn S2. DOC enhancement caused negative effects on primary production under natural sunlight UVR only at Stn S1. Interactive effects of UVR and DOC addition on phytoplankton biomass and primary production were detected at Stn S1, due to the negative effects of DOC being eliminated under the increased UV-B condition. The lack of interactive effects at Stn S2 were likely due to the differences with Stn S1 in terms of light acclimation and biological interaction. In summary, this future climate change scenario will probably not affect the photosynthetic CO2 fixation and biomass of natural phytoplankton in Sanya Bay.