Reductions in Depth-integrated Picophytoplanktonic Photosynthesis Due to Inhibition by Ultraviolet and Photosynthetically Available Radiation: Global Predictions for $\textit{Prochlorococcus}$ and $\textit{Synechococcus}$

Abstract

Phytoplankton photosynthesis in most natural waters is often inhibited by ultraviolet (UV) and intense photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) but the effects on ocean productivity have received little consideration aside from polar areas subject to periodic enhanced UV-B due to depletion of stratospheric ozone. Here we consider responses in the temperate and tropical mid-ocean regions typically dominated by picophytoplankton including the prokaryotic lineages, $\textit{Prochlorococcus}$ and $\textit{Synechococcus}$. Spectral models of photosynthetic response for each lineage were constructed using model strains cultured at different growth irradiances and temperatures. In the model, inhibition becomes more severe once exposure exceeds a threshold (Emax) related to repair capacity. Model parameters are presented for $\textit{Prochlorococcus}$ adding to those previously presented for $\textit{Synechococcus}$. The models were applied to the estimation of mid-day, water-column photosynthesis based on an atmospheric model of spectral incident radiation, satellite-derived spectral water transparency and sea surface temperature. Comparing predictions integrated over the water column including versus excluding inhibition, production was 7-28% lower due to inhibition depending on strain and site conditions. Inhibition was consistently greater for $\textit{Prochlorococcus}$ compared to two strains of $\textit{Synechococcus}$. Considering only the surface mixed layer, production was inhibited 7-73%. Weighted by lineage abundance and daily PAR exposure, inhibition of full water column production averages around 20% for the modeled region of the Pacific with two-thirds of the inhibition due to UV. The results suggest more consideration is needed on inhibition effects, especially due to UV, which are largely excluded from present models of global phytoplankton production.