Written by Ranggajati Bintang W
The ozone layer is a natural shield in the earth's atmosphere that protects humans and other living organisms from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Atmospheric concentrations of ozone naturally differ based on temperature, environment, latitude and altitude, although substances expelled from natural activities, such as volcanic eruptions, can also influence the amount of ozone. Nevertheless, these natural causes did not justify the rate of depletion observed and the empirical evidence showed that some man-made chemicals were the cause of the depletion.
Lowered ozone concentrations as a result of ozone loss mean fewer sun protection and far more access to UVB radiation on planet's surface. Findings have also shown that volume of UVB measured at the level in the Antarctic will double during the annual hole in the ozone layer. Depletion of the ozone layer raises the amount of UVB reaching the Earth's atmosphere. Experiment and systematic reviews have shown that UVB stimulates non-melanoma skin cancer and plays a major role in the development of malignant melanoma. In addition, UVB has been related to the production of cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens. However, though all light from the sun contains some UVB, even with normal levels of stratospheric ozone, it is still essential to protect your eyes and skin from direct sun.
Plant growth can be directly affected by UVB radiation due to mechanisms to mitigate or restore these effects and the ability to adapt to higher UVB rates. Inherent problems caused by UVB (such as changes in biological structure, transmission of vitamins inside the crop, timing of growth periods and metabolic pathways) may be equally or sometimes more essential than dangerous UVB negative impacts. Those very advancements can have important consequences for the revenue sharing of crops, herbivorous infections, insect infestation and biogeochemical processes.
The ozone depletion also affects the marine lives. Phytoplankton is the base of marine food chains. Planktonic effectiveness is limited to the euphotic zone, the outer part of the lower atmosphere where there is ample sunlight to maintain net productivity. Stimulation to solar UVB radiation has also been shown to affect both the alignment and motility of phytoplankton, resulting in lower health outcomes for these life forms. Biologists have also shown direct significant drop in phytoplankton manufacturing process resulting in an increase in UVB related to ozone layer depletion. UVB rays have been known to cause harm to the early stages of development of fish , shrimp, lobster, invertebrates and other marine organisms.