Environmental Uv Radiation Impact On Ecosystems And Human Health And Predictive Models

This publication originates from the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Environmental Radiation: Impact on Ecosystems and Human Health and Predictive Models, held in Pisa, Italy, in June 2001. The book offers not only basic information on the action mechanisms of UV radiation on ecosystems and various biological systems, but also a picture of the possible scenarios of the long-term global increase of environmental UV radiation, with emphasis on the research aspects aimed at the proper quantitative assessment of risk factors and the formulation of reliable predictive models. The purpose of the authors is to present a critical discussion on how changes in UV radiation will affect ecosystems and the biological processes needed to sustain life on Earth and to provide useful hints for future actions of governmental and international agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations. The book is structured in four sections: the first one is devoted to a general overview of the consequences of ozone depletion and to the basic concepts of radiation measurements and monitoring; the other three sections are devoted to the effects on plants, aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Numerous studies report that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is harmful to living organisms and detrimental to human health. Growing concerns regarding the increased levels of UV-B radiation that reach the earth's surface have led to the development of ground- and space-based measurement programs. Further study is needed on the measurement, modeling, and effects of UV radiation. The chapters of this book describe the research conducted across the globe over the past three decades in the areas of: (1) current and predicted levels of UV radiation and its associated impact on ecosystems and human health, as well as economic and social implications; (2) new developments in UV instrumentation, advances in calibration (ground- and satellite-based), measurement methods, modeling efforts, and their applications; and (3) the effects of global climate change on UV radiation. Dr. Wei Gao is a Senior Research Scientist and the Director of the USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University. Dr. Gao is a SPIE fellow and serves as the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Applied Remote Sensing. Dr. Daniel L. Schmoldt is the National Program Leader for instrumentation and sensors at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dr. Schmoldt served as joint Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Computers & Electronics in Agriculture, from 1997 to 2004. Dr. James R. Slusser retired in 2007 from the USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program at Colorado State University. He was active in the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, the American Geophysical Union, and the American Meteorological Society. Dr. Slusser is currently pursuing his interests in solar energy and atmospheric transmission.

Microorganisms play an important role in life on Earth and can adapt and survive in harsh and changing environments. Their aptitude to thrive under hostile conditions is reflected by their survival and activity in some of the most extreme environments on Earth and their presence and growth in low earth orbit and outer space. Spaceflight and the space environment have a unique set of stressors compared to Earth (microgravity, galactic cosmic radiation, solar UV radiation, space vacuum, thermal extremes) that microbes are exposed to, but how they adapt and respond is still poorly understood. Studies to date, though, have shown that these responses can range from being beneficial for human exploration to negatively impact long duration missions. Hence, investigating the reaction of microorganisms to space conditions, the alterations in their physiology and virulence, not only helps shed light on the molecular basis of tolerance, but has implications for both space exploration and astrobiological missions.

Beyond the Visible: A handbook of best practice in plant UV photobiology presents methods for research on the responses of plants to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The knowledge needed to make informed decisions about manipulation and quantification of UV radiation is summarized. Practical recommendations for obtaining reliable and relevant data and interpretations are given. The handbook covers research both on terrestrial and aquatic plants and it deals with experimentation on ecological, eco-physiological and physiological questions. The handbook includes 115 figures, mostly in colour, 19 tables and 12 text boxes. It is the result of the activities of COST action FA0906 "UV4growth", and it includes contributions by 17 authors. From the foreword by Dr. Marcel A. K. Jansen: This book ... is an important contribution towards such sound experimental design, promoting both "good practice" in UV-B manipulation, as well as "standardisation" of methodologies. Writing an authoritative book that will steer experimental approaches over the coming years, can not easily be done by an individual, but rather requires the concerted effort of a team of expert scientists. ... This is surely an excellent example of a concerted, Europeanwide activity that will boost the plant UV-B research field in Europe and beyond, for years to come.

This book on advanced functional textiles and polymers will offer a comprehensive view of cutting-edge research in newly discovered areas such as flame retardant textiles, antimicrobial textiles, insect repellent textiles, aroma textiles, medical-textiles, smart textiles, and nano-textiles etc. The second part the book provides innovative fabrication strategies, unique methodologies and overview of latest novel agents employed in the research and development of functional polymers.

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) is electromagnetic radiation coming from the sun, with a medium wavelength which is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. The biological effects of UV-B are greater than simple heating effects, and many practical applications of UV-B radiation derive from its interactions with organic molecules. It is considered particularly harmful to the environment and living things, but what have scientific studies actually shown? UV-B Radiation: From Environmental Stressor to Regulator of Plant Growth presents a comprehensive overview of the origins, current state, and future horizons of scientific research on ultraviolet-B radiation and its perception in plants. Chapters explore all facets of UV-B research, including the basics of how UV-B's shorter wavelength radiation from the sun reaches the Earth's surface, along with its impact on the environment's biotic components and on human biological systems. Chapters also address the dramatic shift in UV-B research in recent years, reflecting emerging technologies, showing how historic research which focused exclusively on the harmful environmental effects of UV-B radiation has now given way to studies on potential benefits to humans. Topics include: UV-B and its climatology UV-B and terrestrial ecosystems Plant responses to UV-B stress UB- B avoidance mechanisms UV-B and production of secondary metabolites Discovery of UVR8 Timely and important, UV-B Radiation: From Environmental Stressor to Regulator of Plant Growth is an invaluable resource for environmentalists, researchers and students who are into the state-of-the-art research being done on exposure to UV-B radiation.

This publication, prepared jointly by the WHO, the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme, considers the public health challenges arising from global climate change and options for policy responses, with particular focus on the health sector. Aspects discussed include: an overview of historical developments and recent scientific assessments; weather and climate change; population vulnerability and the adaptive capacity of public health systems; the IPCC Third Assessment report; tasks for public health scientists; the health impacts of climate extremes; climate change, infectious diseases and the level of disease burdens; ozone depletion, ultraviolet radiation and health; and methodological issues in monitoring health effects of climate change.

Although there are some biological processes that are supported by UV radiation, most organisms are stressed by it in various ways, e.g. through DNA damage. Top international experts present an integrated overview of UV radiation and its effects on terrestrial, freshwater and marine Arctic biota. Increased stratospheric ozone depletion and the corresponding increase in ground levels of UV radiation as well as ambient, "natural" UV radiation as a key ecological factor in the Arctic spring and summer are discussed in detail. Additionally, basic information on Arctic ecosystems is given. The volume provides not only an excellent account of present-day knowledge of the subject, but also describes the state of the art on which future research can be built.