The Impact of UV Radiation on Paramecium Populations from Alpine Lakes

Barbara Kammerlander; Barbara Tartarotti; Bettina Sonntag

doi:10.1111/jeu.12463

The Impact of UV Radiation on Paramecium Populations from Alpine Lakes

J Eukaryot Microbiol. 2018 Mar;65(2):250-254. doi: 10.1111/jeu.12463. Epub 2017 Sep 8.

Authors

Barbara Kammerlander^{1

2}, Barbara Tartarotti¹, Bettina Sonntag²

Affiliations

¹ Lake and Glacier Research Group, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria.
² Ciliate Ecology and Taxonomy Group, Research Department for Limnology, Mondsee, University of Innsbruck, Mondseestrasse 9, Mondsee, 5310, Austria.

Abstract

Paramecium populations from a clear and a glacier-fed turbid alpine lake were exposed to solar simulated ultraviolet (UVR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at 8 and 15 °C. The ciliates were tested for DNA damage (comet assay), behavioral changes, and mortality after UVR + PAR exposure. High DNA damage levels (~58% tail DNA) and abnormal swimming behavior were observed, although no significant changes in cell numbers were found irrespective of the lake origin (clear, turbid), and temperatures. We conclude that environmental stressors such as UVR and their effects may influence the adaptation of ciliates living in alpine lakes.

Keywords: Ciliates; DNA damage; comet assay; protists; single-cell gel electrophoresis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

DNA Damage*
Lakes / parasitology
Paramecium / growth & development
Paramecium / radiation effects*
Photosynthesis / radiation effects
Temperature
Ultraviolet Rays*

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding