Solar UV-B dosimetry in situ with ‘D-dosimeter’: effect of ozone depletion on the Vitamin D synthetic capacity of sunlight

• Published in: Agricultural and forest meteorology Vol. 120; no. 1; pp. 45 - 50
• Main Author: Terenetskaya, Irina
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 24.12.2003; Oxford Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: aerosols; Biological and medical sciences; Biological effects of radiation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; monitoring; Non ionizing radiations. Hertzian waves. Biooptics; ozone; Ozone depletion; plant characteristics; receptors; solar radiation; Solar UV monitoring; Tissues, organs and organisms biophysics; ultraviolet radiation; UV-B receptor in plants; vitamin D; Vitamin D synthesis; Vitamin D synthesis; Ozone depletion; Solar UV monitoring; UV-B receptor in plants; Receiver; Biosynthesis; Experimental study; Measuring instrument; Dosimeter; Vertebrata; Plant; OZONE DEPLETION; Mammalia; Ultraviolet irradiation; Vitamin D; Dosimetry; Solar radiation
• ISSN: 0168-1923; 1873-2240
• DOI: 10.1016/j.agrformet.2003.08.011

Vitamin D synthesis under solar UV-B radiation (280–315 nm) occurs widely in nature being an inherent characteristic of mammals and plants. Current data suggest that pro-Vitamin D can act as an UV-B receptor in plants, and thus monitoring the Vitamin D synthetic capacity of sunlight should be the subject of UV-B dosimetry. With this aim ‘D-dosimeter’ based on an in vitro model of Vitamin D synthesis has been designed for direct monitoring the Vitamin D synthetic capacity of sunlight in situ. Besides, ‘D-dosimeter’ possesses spectral selectivity that is helpful for detecting mid-latitude UV-B trends which accuracy is hindered by variations of solar UV radiation by clouds and aerosols, that have a comparable effect on UV-B caused by variations in stratospheric ozone.