Ozone layer experiment in Lapland
Clarifoil is helping a group of scientists study the effects that rising levels of UV radiation, caused by the Ozone layer, are having on life in Lapland arctic ponds.
The biodegradable cellulose acetate film manufacturer was approached by Zoologists from Halle University in Germany to supply sample films to cover water containing Daphnia water fleas from the ponds.
The scientists were able to study the effect of UV light on life in the ponds by using untreated films as a control and films covered with a UV filter.
The experiments, showed that the Daphnia and population in the ponds has been adversely affected by increased levels of UV light, which as well as confirmed that Clarifoil's films can successfully stop UV penetration.
"Measurements taken in the field have subsequently been double-checked in the laboratory, using UV lamps to create standardised conditions and again using the Clarifoil film to protect a sample against UV radiation", said, Dr Iris Zellmer, one of the zoologists conducting the study
Daphnia are important key food for fish and insects in the ponds and their falling numbers can be seen as an indicator of ecological conditions. Studies are being conducted on the effect that UV-induced temperature rises in the ponds.
