Variable fluorescence parameters in the filamentous Patagonian rhodophytes, Callithamnion gaudichaudii and Ceramium sp. under solar radiation

The filamentous rhodophytes Callithamnion gaudichaudi Agardh and Ceramium sp. were utilized to study the effects of solar radiation (PAR, 400-700 nm, UV-B, 280-315 nm and UV-A, 315-400 nm) on the photosynthetic performance in situ in Patagonia waters (Argentina). A pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer was used to determine the fluorescence parameters. The two species grew in different habitats in the eulittoral: Ceramium sp. was found only in rock pools while C. gaudichaudii grew on exposed rocks and fell dry during low tide. Both species differed in their fluorescence parameters and their sensitivity to solar radiation exposure. The photosynthetic quantum yield had its lowest values at noon, but it recovered in the afternoon/evening hours, when irradiances were lower. PAR (irradiance of about 400 W m(-2) at noon) was responsible for most of the decrease in the yield on clear days, especially in Ceramium sp., but UVR (280-400 nm) also accounted for a significant decrease. Fluence rate response curves indicated that both species were adapted to low fluence rates and showed a pronounced non-photochemical quenching at intermediate and higher irradiances. Both species showed a rapid adaptation during measurement of fast induction kinetics but differed significantly in their fluorescence components. All photosynthetic pigments were bleached after 8 h exposure to solar radiation over a full day. Strong absorption in the UV-A range, most likely due to mycosporine-like amino acids, was detected in both strains. The pronounced sensitivity to solar radiation in situ and the recovery capacity of these two filamentous Rhodophyte species, as well as the presence of protective compounds, suggests that these algae have the ability to adapt to the relatively high radiation levels and changes in irradiance found in the Patagonia waters.     

Excited-state processes in the carotenoid zeaxanthin after excess energy excitation

Aiming for better understanding of the large complexity of excited-state processes in carotenoids, we have studied the excitation wavelength dependence of the relaxation dynamics in the carotenoid zeaxanthin. Excitation into the lowest vibrational band of the S2 state at 485 nm, into the 0-3 vibrational band of the S2 state at 400 nm, and into the 2B(u)+ state at 266 nm resulted in different relaxation patterns. While excitation at 485 nm produces the known four-state scheme (S2 --> hot S1 --> S1 --> S0), excess energy excitation led to additional dynamics occurring with a time constant of 2.8 ps (400 nm excitation) and 4.9 ps (266 nm excitation), respectively. This process is ascribed to a conformational relaxation of conformers generated by the excess energy excitation. The zeaxanthin S state was observed regardless of the excitation wavelength, but its population increased after 400 and 266 nm excitation, suggesting that conformers generated by the excess energy excitation are important for directing the population toward the S state. The S2-S1 internal conversion time was shortened from 135 to 70 fs when going from 485 to 400 nm excitation, as a result of competition between the S2-S1 internal conversion from the vibrationally hot S2 state and S2 vibrational relaxation. The S1 lifetime of zeaxanthin was within experimental error the same for all excitation wavelengths, yielding approximately 9 ps. No long-lived species have been observed after excitation by femtosecond pulses regardless of the excitation wavelength, but excitation by nanosecond pulses at 266 nm generated both zeaxanthin triplet state and cation radical.     

Solar PAR and UV radiation affects the physiology and morphology of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120

Solar UV radiation (280-400 nm) may affect morphology of cyanobacteria, however, little has been evidenced on this aspect while their physiological responses were examined. We investigated the impacts of solar PAR and UVR on the growth, photosynthetic performance and morphology of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC7120 while it was grown under three different solar radiation treatments: exposures to (a) constant low PAR (photosynthetic active radiation, 400-700 nm), (b) natural levels of solar radiation with and (c) without UV radiation (290-400 nm). When the cells were exposed to solar PAR or PAR+UVR, the photochemical efficiency was reduced by about 40% and 90%, respectively, on day one and recovered faster under the treatment without UVR over the following days. Solar UVR inhibited the growth up to 40%, reduced trichome length by up to 49% and depressed the differentiation of heterocysts. Negligible concentrations of UV-absorbing compounds were found even in the presence of UVR. During the first 2 d of exposure to natural levels of PAR, carotenoid concentrations increased but no prolonged increase was evident. Heterocyst formation was enhanced under elevated PAR levels that stimulated quantum yield and growth after an initial inhibition. Higher concentrations of carotenoids and a twofold increase in the carotenoid to chlorophyll a ratio provided protection from the high levels of solar PAR. Under radiation treatments with UVR the relatively greater decrease in chlorophyll a concentrations compared with the increase in carotenoids was responsible for the higher carotenoid: chlorophyll a ratio. Heterocyst formation was disrupted in the presence of solar UVR. However, the longer term impact of heterocyst disruption to the survival of Anabaena sp. requires further study.     

Preparation of nanometer-sized In2O3 particles by a reverse microemulsion method

Nanometer-sized indium oxide (In(2)O(3)) particles have been prepared by chemical reaction of inorganic indium compounds and ammonia gas in a reverse microemulsion system consisting of water, Triton X-100 (surfactant), n-heptanol (co-surfactant), and n-octane (oil). Precursor hydroxides precipitated in the droplets of water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion were calcined at different temperatures to form indium oxide powder. The factors affecting the particle size have been discussed; the calcination temperature is considered to be the important factor for controlling the size. In(2)O(3) calcined at 400 degrees C had a spherical form and a narrow size distribution. Calcination at 800 degrees C led to the formation of particles not only of irregular shape, but also of a wide size distribution. With the increase in calcination temperature from 400 to 800 degrees C, the average size of the particles grew from 7 to about 40 nm. The species of reactants used in the aqueous phase had a significant effect on the size of the particles. The average diameter of In(2)O(3) particles derived from reactant InCl(3) was 7 nm; that of particles derived from In(NO(3))(3) was 15 nm. The In(2)O(3) nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The phase behavior of the microemulsions is discussed.     

Femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence imaging of multiphoton multichannel photodynamics in NO2

The multiphoton multichannel photodynamics of NO(2) has been studied using femtosecond time-resolved coincidence imaging. A novel photoelectron-photoion coincidence imaging machine was developed at the laboratory in Amsterdam employing velocity map imaging and "slow" charged particle extraction using additional electron and ion optics. The NO(2) photodynamics was studied using a two color pump-probe scheme with femtosecond pulses at 400 and 266 nm. The multiphoton excitation produces both NO(2) (+) parent ions and NO(+) fragment ions. Here we mainly present the time dependent photoelectron images in coincidence with NO(2) (+) or NO(+) and the (NO(+),e) photoelectron versus fragment ion kinetic energy correlations. The coincidence photoelectron spectra and the correlated energy distributions make it possible to assign the different dissociation pathways involved. Nonadiabatic dynamics between the ground state and the A (2)B(2) state after absorption of a 400 nm photon is reflected in the transient photoelectron spectrum of the NO(2) (+) parent ion. Furthermore, Rydberg states are believed to be used as "stepping" states responsible for the rather narrow and well-separated photoelectron spectra in the NO(2) (+) parent ion. Slow statistical and fast direct fragmentation of NO(2) (+) after prompt photoelectron ejection is observed leading to formation of NO(+)+O. Fragmentation from both the ground state and the electronically excited a (3)B(2) and b (3)A(2) states of NO(2) (+) is observed. At short pump probe delay times, the dominant multiphoton pathway for NO(+) formation is a 3x400 nm+1x266 nm excitation. At long delay times (>500 fs) two multiphoton pathways are observed. The dominant pathway is a 1x400 nm+2x266 nm photon excitation giving rise to very slow electrons and ions. A second pathway is a 3x400 nm photon absorption to NO(2) Rydberg states followed by dissociation toward neutral electronically and vibrationally excited NO(A (2)Sigma,v=1) fragments, ionized by one 266 nm photon absorption. As is shown in the present study, even though the pump-probe transients are rather featureless the photoelectron-photoion coincidence images show a complex time varying dynamics in NO(2). We present the potential of our novel coincidence imaging machine to unravel in unprecedented detail the various competing pathways in femtosecond time-resolved multichannel multiphoton dynamics of molecules.     

——>——>双核钴簇合物(C6H5CO2CH2C)2Co2(CO)6的合成与结构

The cluster (C_6H_5CO_2CH_2C)_2Co_2(CO)_6 has been synthesized and characterized by element analysis, IR, ~1H NMR etc. Its crystal structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis with R=0.060. The crystal is triclinic, space group P_1 with a=0.8933(3) nm, b=1.1830(6) nm, c=1.3199(3) nm, α=65.64(3)°, β=84.55(3)°, γ=72.03(4)°, z=2, D_x=1.584 g cm~(-1) The C≡C and Co-Co form a tetrahedron with appoximate C_(2V) symmetry. The Co-Co bond is metl singal bond. The hybrid state of carbon atoms in the acetylene is between sp and sp~2.     

Polychromatic action spectrum for the induction of a mycosporine-like amino acid in a rice-field cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp

A polychromatic action spectrum for the induction of an ultraviolet-absorbing/screening mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) has been determined in a filamentous and heterocystous nitrogen-fixing rice-field cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) studies revealed the presence of only one type of MAA, which was identified as shinorine, a bisubstituted MAA containing both glycine and serine groups having a retention time at 2.8 min and an absorption maximum at 334 nm. Exposure of cultures to simulated solar radiation in combination with various cut-off filters (WG 280, 295, 305, 320, 335, 345, GG 400, 420, 455, 475, OG 515, 530, 570, RG 645, 665 and a broad-band filter, UG 11) clearly revealed that the induction of the MAA takes place only in the UV range. Photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) had no significant impact on MAA induction. The ratio of the absorption at 334 nm (shinorine) to 665 nm (chlorophyll a) and the action spectrum also showed the induction of MAA to be UV dependent peaking in the UV-B range at around 290 nm. The results indicate that the studied cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. may protect itself from deleterious short wavelength solar radiation by its ability to synthesize a mycosporine-like amino acid in response to UV-B radiation and thereby screen the negative effects of UV-B.     

Pt、N共掺杂TiO2在可见光下对三氯乙酸的催化降解作用

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了氮掺杂纳米TiO₂(N-TiO₂), 并用光分解沉积法在N-TiO₂表面负载微量金属Pt(0.5％(w)), 形成铂-氮共掺杂纳米TiO₂(Pt/N-TiO₂). 实验结果表明, Pt 、N共掺杂纳米TiO₂紫外可见光吸收边带较纳米TiO₂红移约20 nm, 并在400～500 nm处有弱的吸收. Pt/N-TiO₂电极在可见光区的光电流约为纳米TiO₂电极的6倍. 以Pt/N-TiO₂为催化剂, 催化三氯乙酸(TCA)光降解反应, 室温下经可见光照射2 h后TCA降解率约为8％. N掺杂减小了TiO₂的禁带能隙, 使它在可见光区具有光催化活性, 适量Pt掺杂抑制了光生载流子的复合, 加速了电子界面传递速度, Pt、N共掺杂使两种效应相结合, 进一步提高了光催化反应性能.     

Nanochannels in SU-8 with floor and ceiling metal electrodes and integrated microchannels

Sacrificially etched 2-D nanofluidic channels and nanospaces with integrated floor and ceiling electrodes and arbitrary channel geometries have been demonstrated with channel heights from 20 nm to 400 nm, widths from 800 nm to 40 microm, and lengths up to 3 mm, using SU-8 as the channel structural material.     

Control of sp2/sp3 carbon ratio and surface chemistry of nanodiamond powders by selective oxidation in air

The presence of large amounts of nondiamond carbon in detonation-synthesized nanodiamond (ND) severely limits applications of this exciting nanomaterial. We report on a simple and environmentally friendly route involving oxidation in air to selectively remove sp(2)-bonded carbon from ND. Thermogravimetric analysis and in situ Raman spectroscopy shows that sp(2) and sp(3) carbon species oxidize with different rates at 375-450 degrees C and reveals a narrow temperature range of 400-430 degrees C in which the oxidation of sp(2)-bonded carbon occurs with no or minimal loss of diamond. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy detects an increase of up to 2 orders of magnitude in the sp(3)/sp(2) ratio after oxidation. The content of up to 96% of sp(3)-bonded carbon in the oxidized samples is comparable to that found in microcrystalline diamond and is unprecedented for ND powders. Transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies show high purity 5-nm ND particles covered by oxygen-containing surface functional groups. The surface functionalization can be controlled by subsequent treatments (e.g., hydrogenization). In contrast to current purification techniques, the air oxidation process does not require the use of toxic or aggressive chemicals, catalysts, or inhibitors and opens avenues for numerous new applications of nanodiamond.     

由联苯二甲酸构筑的锌、镉配位聚合物的合成、结构及性质研究

用凝胶扩散法合成了2个新型的配位聚合物{[Zn(bpdc)(H2O)2].H2O}n(1)和[Cd(bpdc)(H2O)2]n(2)(H2bpdc=4,4′-联苯二甲酸)。X-射线单晶衍射分析表明配合物1属于单斜晶系,C2/c空间群,晶胞参数为a=0.693 66(11)nm,b=3.160 7(5)nm,c=0.626 80(9)nm,β=96.467°;配合物2属于正交晶系,Pnma空间群,晶胞参数为a=0.586 69(7)nm,b=2.914 1(4)nm,c=0.786 63(10)nm。热重分析和荧光光谱分析表明配合物1和2的热稳定性较好,与游离配体相比其荧光的发射波长发生红移而强度明显增强。     

Ag(+)-inserted NbO(2)F as a Novel Photocatalyst

The insertion of Ag(+) into NbO(2)F narrowed the band gap from 3.2 eV (NbO(2)F) to 3.0 eV (Ag-NbO(2)F), which shifted the light absorption edge from the UV light region to the near-violet light region. The photocatalytic activities of NbO(2)F and Ag-NbO(2)F were evaluated by the decomposition of gaseous 2-propanol (IPA) under 400-530 and 300-400 nm light irradiations. Ag-NbO(2)F could decompose IPA to CO(2) via acetone under both irradiation conditions. The value of the quantum efficiency was of the same order under both 400-530 and 300-400 nm light irradiations, which suggested the complete hybridization of the Ag4d and O2p orbitals in the valence band of Ag-NbO(2)F resulted in the 400-530 nm light sensitivity. The density of states calculations also supported the complete mixing of Ag4d and O2p.     

Heavy hydrides: H2Te ultraviolet photochemistry

The room-temperature ultraviolet absorption spectrum of H2Te has been recorded. Unlike other group-6 hydrides, it displays a long-wavelength tail that extends to 400 nm. Dissociation dynamics have been examined at photolysis wavelengths of 266 nm (which lies in the main absorption feature) and 355 nm (which lies in the long-wavelength tail) by using high-n Rydberg time-of-flight spectroscopy to obtain center-of-mass translational energy distributions for the channels that yield H atoms. Photodissociation at 355 nm yields TeH(2Pi1/2) selectively relative to the TeH(2Pi3/2) ground state. This is attributed to the role of the 3A' state, which has a shallow well at large R(H-TeH) and correlates to H+TeH(2Pi1/2). Note that the 2Pi1/2 state is analogous to the 2P1/2 spin-orbit excited state of atomic iodine, which is isoelectronic with TeH. The 3A' state is crossed at large R only by 2A", with which it does not interact. The character of 3A' at large R is influenced by a strong spin-orbit interaction in the TeH product. Namely, 2Pi1/2 has a higher degree of spherical symmetry than does 2Pi3/2 (recall that I(2P1/2) is spherically symmetric), and consequently 2Pi1/2 is not inclined to form either strongly bonding or antibonding orbitals with the H atom. The 3A'<--X transition dipole moment dominates in the long-wavelength region and increases with R. Structure observed in the absorption spectrum in the 380-400 nm region is attributed to vibrations on 3A'. The main absorption feature that is peaked at approximately 240 nm might arise from several excited surfaces. On the basis of the high degree of laboratory system spatial anisotropy of the fragments from 266 nm photolysis, as well as high-level theoretical studies, the main contribution is believed to be due to the 4A" surface. The 4A"<--X transition dipole moment dominates in the Franck-Condon region, and its polarization is in accord with the experimental observations. An extensive secondary photolysis (i.e., of nascent TeH) is observed at 266 and 355 nm, and the corresponding spectral features are assigned. Analyses of the c.m. translational energy distributions yield bond dissociation energies D0. For H2Te and TeH, these are 65.0+/-0.1 and 63.8+/-0.4 kcalmol, respectively, in good agreement with predictions that use high-level relativistic theory.     

LaF3纳米片和棒束的选择性合成及表征

室温条件下,以简单的液相法,通过改变氟源NaBF4和K2SiF6,制得不同形貌的LaF3纳米晶(片及棒束).X射线衍射(XRD)结果显示所得的2种不同形貌的产物均为结晶良好的六方相LaF3.场发射扫描电子显微镜(FE-SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)结果表明由NaBF4制得大量均匀、厚度约为20 am的六边形纳米片....     

Interfacial electron transfer between the photoexcited porphyrin molecule and TiO2 nanoparticles: effect of catecholate binding

Interfacial electron transfer (ET) dynamics of 5,10,15-trisphenyl-20-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene) porphyrin (TPP-cat) adsorbed on TiO2 nanoparticles has been studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in the visible and near-IR region exciting at 400 and 800 nm. TPP-cat molecule forms a charge transfer (CT) complex with TiO2 nanoparticles through the catechol moiety with the formation of a five-membered ring. Optical absorption measurements have shown that the Q-band of TPP-cat interacts strongly with TiO2 due to chelation; however, the Soret band is affected very little. Optical absorption measurements indicate that the catechol moiety also interacts with TiO2 nanoparticles showing the characteristic band of pure catechol-TiO2 charge transfer (CT) in the visible region. Electron injection has been confirmed by monitoring the cation radical, instant bleach, and injected electron in the conduction band of TiO2 nanoparticles. Electron injection time has been measured to be < 100 fs and recombination kinetics has been best fitted with a multiexponential function, where the majority of the injected electrons come back to the parent cation radical with a time constant of approximately 800 fs for both excitation wavelengths. However, the reaction channel for the electron injection process has been found to be different for both wavelengths. Excitation at 800 nm, found to populate the CT state of the Q-band, and from the photoexcited CT state electron injection into the conduction band, takes place through diffusion. On the other hand, with excitation at 400 nm, a complicated reaction channel takes place. Excitation with 400 nm light excites both the CT band of Cat-TiO2 and also the Soret band of TPP-cat. We have discussed the reaction path in the TPP-cat/TiO2 system after exciting with both 400 and 800 nm laser light. We have also compared ET dynamics by exciting at both wavelengths.     

Rapid synthesis of SBA-15 rods with variable lengths, widths, and tunable large pores

Dispersed SBA-15 rods have been synthesized with varying lengths, widths, and pore sizes in a low-temperature synthesis in the presence of heptane and NH(4)F. The pore size of the material can systematically be varied between 11 and 17 nm using different hydrothermal treatment times and/or temperatures. The particle length (400-600 nm) and width (100-400 nm) were tuned by varying the HCl concentration. All the synthesized materials possess a large surface area of 400-600 m(2)/g and a pore volume of 1.05-1.30 cm(3). A mechanism for the effect of the HCl concentration on the particle morphology is suggested. Furthermore, it is shown that the reaction time can be decreased to 1 h, with well-retained pore size and morphology. This work has resulted in SBA-15 rods with the largest pore size reported for this morphology.     

2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(arylhydrazone) derivatives as analytical reagents for uranium

The analytical properties of two compounds from a class of new complexing reagents for uranium have been investigated. The compounds, diacetylpyridine bis(furoylhydrazone) (H(2)dapf) and diacetylpyridine bis(pyridylhydrazone) (H(2)dapp), were synthesized and the extraction, resin sorption, and colorimetric properties of their metal complexes examined. The uranium-H(2)dapf complex forms in solutions at pH 3 and can be used to determine uranium colorimetrically. The system obeys the Lambert-Beer law between 0.72 and 10.8 ppm uranium with a molar absorptivity of 1.5 x 10(4) 1.mole(-1).cm(-1) at 400 nm and 3.5 x 10(4) 1.mole(-1).cm(-1) at 350 nm between pH 3 and 8. Interferences are masked with EDTA.     

Photophysics and optical limiting of platinum(II) 4'-arylterpyridyl phenylacetylide complexes

A series of platinum(II) 4'-aryl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complexes (5-8) with 4'-naphthyl, 4'-phenanthryl, 4'-anthryl, and 4'-pyrenyl substituents have been synthesized and characterized. The emission properties of these complexes and their corresponding platinum(II) 4'-aryl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridyl chloride complexes (1-4) at room temperature and 77 K have been systematically investigated. Except for the 4'-pyrenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complex that emits from an admixing state consisting of metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT), intraligand charge-transfer (3ILCT), and 3pi,pi characters, emissions of 4'-naphthyl, 4'-phenanthryl, and 4'-anthryl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complexes all originate from a 3MLCT-dominant state. The emission lifetime of the 4'-pyrenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complex (8) is longer than 2 mus at room temperature, and more than 300 mus at 77 K, while the other three complexes possess an emission lifetime of 200-400 ns at room temperature and tens of microseconds at 77 K. Replacing the chloride ligand in the 4'-naphthyl, 4'-phenanthryl, and 4'-anthryl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridyl chloride complexes by a phenylacetylide ligand significantly increases the emission efficiency by an order of magnitude, and the emission lifetimes become longer. In contrast, such an alternation has no pronounced effect on the emission efficiency and lifetime of the 4'-pyrenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridyl complexes. In the transient difference absorption (TA) spectra of 5 and 6, a moderately intense absorption band from 470 to 830 nm and a bleaching band between 400 and 470 nm were observed. For 7, the TA spectrum features a narrow, weak bleaching band at approximately 380 nm and a strong, narrow band at approximately 420 nm, as well as a broad, structureless band from 470 to 750 nm. In addition, a fourth, positive band appears above 800 nm. Complex 8 exhibits a strong, narrow bleaching band at approximately 340 nm and a broad, positive band extending from 370 to 830 nm, with the band maximum appearing at approximately 520 nm. The lifetimes obtained from the kinetic transient absorption measurement coincide with those from the kinetic emission measurement, indicating that the transient absorption originates from the same excited state that emits or, alternatively, from a state that is in equilibrium with the emitting state. All complexes exhibit optical limiting for 4.1 ns laser pulses at 532 nm, with 8 giving rise to the strongest optical limiting, presumably because of the much longer triplet excited-state lifetime and the stronger transient absorption at 532 nm.     

Surface enhanced optical absorption and photoluminescence in nonbonding electrons in small poly(vinylpyrrolidone) molecules

Molecularly dispersed poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) in water (after mechanochemical stirring in hot condition) absorbs strongly in a triplet band (pi-->pi* electronic transitions) in the 200-400 nm range. Absorption maximum shifts nonlinearly from 222 nm [full width at half maximum (FWHM) approximately 22 nm] in a dilute solution 0.1 g/dl PVP to a value as large as 247 nm (FWHM approximately 55 nm) in 10 g/dl PVP. Disobeying the Beer-Lambert relation, the absorbance increased in dilute samples. Irradiating in this region induces two emission groups; (i) 300-580 nm and (ii) 600-850 nm in six distinct bands in three major PVP conformers. The first band group involves an order of larger intensity in the other group. Strong electron-phonon coupling results in the C=O group of pyrrolidone ring, which governs the conformation, in a vibronic band 1665 cm-1 as intense as the (0,0) band. The group (ii) occurs in part of the energy loss in interactions of excited photons with surrounding in the n<--pi* transition [band group (i)] in the nonbonding C=O (2sp4) electrons. Such transitions may be useful for optical switching and other devices.     

Evidence from action and fluorescence spectra that UV-induced violet-blue-green fluorescence enhances leaf photosynthesis

We assessed the contribution of UV-induced violet-blue-green leaf fluorescence to photosynthesis in Poa annua, Sorghum halepense and Nerium oleander by measuring UV-induced fluorescence spectra (280-380 nm excitation, 400-550 nm emission) from leaf surfaces and determining the monochromatic UV action spectra for leaf photosynthetic O2-evolution. Peak fluorescence emission wavelengths from leaf surfaces ranged from violet (408 nm) to blue (448 nm), while excitation peaks for these maxima ranged from 333 to 344 nm. Action spectra were developed by supplementing monochromatic radiation from 280 to 440 nm, in 20 nm increments, to a visible nonsaturating background of 500 mumol m-2 s-1 photosynthetically active radiation and measuring photosynthetic O2-evolution rates. Photosynthetic rates tended to be higher with the 340 nm supplement than with higher or lower wavelength UV supplements. Comparing photosynthetic rates with the 340 nm supplement to those with the 400 nm supplement, the percentage enhancement in photosynthetic rates at 340 nm ranged from 7.8 to 9.8%. We suspect that 340 nm UV improves photosynthetic rates via fluorescence that provides violet-blue-green photons for photosynthetic energy conversion because (1) the peak excitation wavelength (340 nm) for violet-blue-green fluorescence from leaves was also the most effective UV wavelength at enhancing photosynthetic rates, and (2) the magnitude of photosynthetic enhancements attributable to supplemental 340 nm UV was well correlated (R2 = 0.90) with the apparent intensity of 340 nm UV-induced violet-blue-green fluorescence emission from leaves.