Improved illumination homogeneity increased accuracies of derived light utilization efficiency for aquatic photosynthesis-irradiance curve analysis

Accumulating knowledge of photo-physiological acclimation and adaptation in aquatic phototrophs to altered environmental factors are valuable for managing and conserving aquatic ecosystems. Photosynthesis-irradiance curve (PI curve) analysis is an essential technique to assess the photo-physiological states of and environmental stresses on photosystems. For PI curve analysis, replicates were rarely homogeneously illuminated, which could generate variations potentially obscuring treatment effects or lead to considerable errors. Here we present an incubation apparatus with a novel configuration of illuminating unit that supplied a gradient of irradiances with improved homogeneity. The achieved homogeneity exceeds that of other homogeneous illuminating apparatus reported for photosynthetic research. We used the elaborated apparatus to develop PI curves for S. pectinata photo-acclimated to contrasting light conditions in both greenhouse and field scenarios. Photo-acclimation to lower irradiances enhanced both maximum photosynthetic rates and light utilization efficiencies in general. And improved homogeneity for PI curve analysis most likely reduced variations of derived light utilization efficiency compared to those using conventional incubation apparatus. The elaborated incubation apparatus could provide insights into developments of illumination techniques for photosynthetic studies and has the potential to refine the subtleties of photo-acclimation studies. •A novel configuration of illuminating unit delivers homogeneous illumination.•Achieved higher irradiance homogeneity than other homogeneous illuminating devices.•Irradiances of higher homogeneity for photosynthesis-irradiance curve analysis.•Improved accuracy of derived light utilization efficiencies.