Humic Materials Offer Photoprotective Effect to Escherichia coli Exposed to Damaging Luminous Radiation.

The behavior of Escherichia coli immersed in aqueous systems amended with humic acids, under PAR, UV-A, UV-B, and simulated solar radiation was examined. Culturability, ability to elongate, functioning of the electron transport systems, and glucose uptake were assessed. Humic substances in the range from 1 to 50 mg L-1 protected cells from photoinactivation. Decrease in culturability and cellular activities was significantly (p <0.05) less in the presence of humic material. However, humic acids were not used as nutrients. Neither irradiated nor nonirradiated humic solutions (50 mg L-1) supported the growth of 105 cells ml-1. However, humic acids dissolved in 0.9% NaC1 efficiently absorbed light over wavelengths from 270 to 500 nm. Also, a photoprotective effect against simulated sunlight was observed when humic acids were not in contact with but rather enveloped the cellular suspensions in double-wall microcosms. The protection afforded by humic acids against luminous radiation likely derives from their ability to absorb these radiations and hence reduces the amount of energy reaching the cells.