Light Harvesting Among Photosynthetic Organisms (original) (raw)

Using integrating sphere spectrophotometry in unicellular algal research

Journal of Applied Phycology, 2020

Scanning spectrophotometers equipped with integrating spheres were once highly specialized spectrophotometric equipment but are now more readily available commercially. They are particularly useful for objectively assessing the spectral absorption and reflectance of algal cell suspensions. Ordinary dual-beam spectrometers do not give valid measurements of the spectral properties of cells due to light scattering. Spectra of unicellular algae using integrating sphere spectroscopy can measure the absorbance (Abs), transmissions (%T) and reflectance (%R) and hence the actual absorptance (%Abt) of turbid cell suspensions and hence the in vivo pigment absorption properties of photosynthetic organisms. These results were compared with those obtained using conventional dual-beam spectrophotometry scans on turbid cell suspensions and the in solvent spectra of photosynthetic pigments. The common unicellular green alga, Chlorella sp., is used as an example of an oxygenic photo-organism with chlorophyll a as the primary photosynthetic pigment and comparisons made to other unicellular algae such as a cyanobacterium (Synechococcus), Acaryochloris and a diatom (Chaetoceros). Photosynthetic bacteria, such as Rhodopseudomonas palustris, are photosynthetic but do not produce oxygen, and their photosynthesis is usually based on bacteriochlorophyll a. Comparisons are made of integrating sphere vs. dualbeam transmission spectroscopy of BChl a and BChl b organisms in solvent and in vivo of anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria (Afifella & Thermochromatium [BChl a], Blastochloris [BChl b]) and with oxygenic organisms.

Measurement of the Optical Properties of Leaves Under Diffuse Light

Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2010

Measuring leaf light absorptance is central to many areas of plant biology including photosynthesis and energy balance. Absorptance is calculated from measured values of transmittance and reflectance, and most such measurements have used direct beam light. However, photosynthesis and other processes can differ under direct and diffuse light. Optical properties under diffuse light may be different, but there have been technical difficulties involved in measuring total reflectance of diffuse light. We developed instrumentation to measure this reflectance using a chopped measuring beam delivered alternately to sample and reference integrating spheres, and lock-in detection. We also built instrumentation for measuring transmittance of diffuse light. We developed standards to calibrate our instruments and correct for substitution error, a known systematic error with integrating sphere-based measurements. Helianthus annuus leaves measured under diffuse light reflected 5-10% more and transmitted a few percent less 400-700 nm light than under direct light. Overall absorptance was only a few percent higher under direct light, but leaves may utilize absorbed direct and diffuse light differently. For example, of the light entering the leaf, significantly more direct light than diffuse light is transmitted through the leaf, suggesting differences in localization of absorption within the leaf.

Light absorptance of algal films for photosynthetic rate determinations

Journal of Applied Phycology

A Reflectance Absorptance Transmittance (RAT) meter, developed for routine measurements of Abtλ nm on leaves, was used to measure absorptance of algal films mounted on glass fibre filter disks for use in PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) fluorometry. Absorptance readings (Abtλ nm) are essential to quantitate the photosynthetic electron transport rate from PAM data and are also helpful if algal disks are used in an IRGA (InfraRed Gas Analyzer). Measurements were made on Synechococcus R-2 (Cyanophyceae), Acaryochloris marina (Chlorobacteria), Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyceae), Chaetoceros sp. (Bacillariophyceae) and Isochrysis sp. (Haptophyta) in blue (445 nm), green (525 nm) and red (625 nm) light. Plots of Abtλ vs. Chl a (mg Chl a m-2) or Chl d for Acaryochloris (mg Chl d m-2) of the algae followed exponential saturation curves (Abt%λ = Abt%λ, ∞ (1-e-k×Chl)) usually reaching asymptotes in the blue light used by blue-diode PAM machines. Synechococcus, Chlorella, Chaetoceros and Isoch...

Optical efficiency factors of some phytoplankters

Limnology and Oceanography, 1983

Absorption and total scattering coefficients of four phytoplankton species grown in batch cultures were measured simultaneously. Backscattering coefficients were obtained by using an integrating sphere. These coefficients are transformed into specific coefficients, i.e. related to a unit of concentration in chlorophyll a, and also into dimensionless efficiency factors characteristic of the cells. The specific coefficients differ noticeably from one species to another. Total scattering and backscattering coefficients are clearly depressed near and inside the absorption bands. These minima can be interpreted by combining the theory of anomalous dispersion with Mie-Lorentz theory applied to polydisperse suspensions. The backscattering efficiency (ratio of backscattering to total scattering) of algal cells appears to be very low (typically ~0.1%). These different results must be taken into consideration when interpreting and modeling the optical properties of seawater, particularly ocean color. They also must be considered when modeling photosynthesis, since the variations in the light-harvesting ability of the cells intervene directly in the quantum yield estimate.

A Simple Incubation Tank for Photosynthesis Measurements With Six Light Intensities

Annales de Limnologie-International …, 2009

The aim of the study was to design and put together a compact, easy-to-assemble and costefficient incubation system for aquatic plant photosynthesis measurements. Incubation tank consisting of glass sidewalls and mirror inner walls was constructed. The tank was split into six incubation cells and two water collecting cells. Each incubation cell was built of mirror with reflective side turned into the incubation cells to prevent the self shading of plants and minimized the variance of light intensity within the cell. The wall of each incubation cell facing the source of light was made of 3 mm glass and was covered by light absorbing film. To produce different light intensities single light source (fluorescent tubes) and light absorbing film (3M Scotchtint TM Sun Control RE50NEARL) were chosen. The sidewall of each incubation cell was covered with metal-coated neutral sun control film to produce six distinct light intensities. The different transparency of the sidewalls was achieved by lamination of the chosen film in increasing numbers of layers. The effect of the lamination on optical properties of the film was also studied. The variation of photon flux density within a cell was 3.9%. Continuous use of the system and occasional repetitive measurements of film’s transparency showed that it maintained its neutral optical properties over a long period of time.

Simple method for measuring the spectral absorption cross-section of microalgae

Chemical Engineering Science, 2016

A simple procedure for measuring microalgae spectral absorption cross-section is proposed. It is based on normal-hemispherical transmittance and reflectance measurements. It was validated against direct measurements of the radiation characteristics of C. vulgaris. It can be used for other suspensions of absorbing and scattering particles. It can be used to predict and control light transfer and biomass productivity in PBRs.