Meeting Abstract

101.3  Wednesday, Jan. 7  Turbidity May Provide a Protective Barrier Against Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos MCFARLANE, W.J.**; DEBLASIO, H.; Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY mcfarlanew@mville.edu

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been correlated to cellular damage in both human and animal models. Although UV radiation is both absorbed and scattered in the upper surface of water, shallow areas may be vulnerable to significant radiation, possibly leading to developmental effects on early life stages. Turbidity in water is influenced by many factors including rainfall, which washes excess organic matter, soil and sand particles into water bodies. Suspended particles enhance the scattering of light, which may serve to decrease the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate into shallow water and be available for absorption by organisms. Water with high turbidity may therefore have a protective function against UV damage. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to three levels of light: a high UV (UV-B) light, a medium UV (UV-A and UV-B) light, and an incandescent light (control; negligible UV). Developmental lag in UV exposed embryos was assessed by comparing the expected stage of development to the observed stage (compared to controls). Results of this preliminary study showed that the greatest developmental delay occurred in the low UV light source, containing both UV-A and UV-B. Mortality rates were highest in embryos that were held in water with no turbidity. Turbidity appeared to serve a protective function. It is possible that the shielding effect of turbidity could serve as protection for organisms that are constantly exposed to UV radiation in shallow aquatic habitats.