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Plankton With a Tan?

An unusual collaboration of students and scientists is learning more about the effects of natural seasonal variations on the amount of ultra violet light reaching the earth by looking at the amount of pigment in phytoplankton. From aboard the research vessel Inland Seas, high school students and research scientists from Redwood City's Marine Science Institute have been taking weekly samples of South Bay water, and analyzing them for temperature, salinity, and turbidity. Then, at NASA labs under the supervision of NASA scientists, the students analyze phytoplankton in the samples for UV-absorbing pigments.

While studies with algae and UV have been done before, none of them have lasted for more than a week or two, says NASA's Dr. Lynn Rothschild, who heads up the team. Rothschild hopes that this team can continue its research over the next few years. "The students and the Institute have the ability to go out every day on the Institute's research vessel. If we were to use a professional vessel, it would cost $10,000 per day. They've got the capabilities and enthusiasm and access to the water; we've got the professional research facilities and scientific expertise. It's a perfect match."

While the team's results are "very preliminary," data from last spring's studies showed an increase in UV-absorbing pigments in phytoplankton samples taken in February. An increase in the production of UV-absorbing pigment may be a possible defense mechanism by phytoplankton against damage to DNA caused by UV light. "Its very simple," says Rothschild. "One of the manifestations of our DNA damage from UV is skin cancer. These 'guys' certainly feel the effects of UV too-they may be damaged too. One of the ways we protect ourselves is by tanning-the algae can do something similar." But increases in pigmentation may also indicate that the algae are being stressed, which could have secondary effects on the rest of the Estuary's ecosystem.

The Institute plans to purchase a new ship to use next year for North Bay educational programs and, with Rothschild, has submitted a proposal for NASA funding for the next three years.

Contact: Dr. Lynn Rothschild (415) 604-6525 or Karen Grimmer, Marine Science Institute (415) 364-2760

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