Abstract:
This study aimed to determine the influence of UVB irradiation on cell growth and pigments
present in four cyanobacterial isolates. The changes in growth density and pigment content of
cells grown under exposure to UVB radiation were detected. The results revealed that cells of all
cyanobacterial strains were inhibited after prolonged duration of UVB exposure. Great reduction
in the carotenoid level was found in all cyanobacterial strains during UVB irradiation exposure.
Low reduction percentage in the chlorophyll a content was observed after UVB irradiation. No
significant decline in phycocyanin level despite 120 min exposure of UVB irradiation. Also,
there is a correlation between different UVB irradiation time and cell growth of cyanobacterial
strains. These findings suggest the dramatic effects of UVB radiation on cell growth and pigment
content of cyanobacterial strains. This study clearly highlights the urgent need for advanced
studies on DNA repair in algae during UV exposure.
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