Characterization of PhotoprotectiveCompounds in Marine Zooplankton of the Southwest Coast of India: An Ecological Perspective

Inthe marine environment, organisms are under threat due to several environmental fluctuations such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, coastal pollution etc. However, it is encouraging to note that the marine organisms try to protect themselves from UV-radiation by synthesizing photprotective compounds. Since phytoplankton can synthesize the UV-protecective compounds and are grazed by zooplankton, we investigated the presence of photoprotective compounds in zooplankton. In this context, a study has been conducted for the first time in the shelf waters of the southwest coast of Arabian Sea, India for the characterization of photoprotective compounds in the zooplankton community. The study revealed the presence of photoprotective compounds, such asporphyra and palythine in the zooplankton community of all the stations, in addition to mycosporine glycine, in the polluted waters of the stations,Veli, Neendakari and Cochin.