Abstract: The intensification of ozone hole has significantly increased the level of ultraviolet (UVB) radiation in the atmosphere, and thus, the environmental pollution caused by this radiation has become a widespread concern. Many studies have been focused on the biological effects of medium wave UVA radiation and its relationships with amphibian decline, but less on the biological effects of long wave UVA radiation. This paper reviewed the recent studies on the UVA damage on vertebrates, including the damage mechanisms on cell structure, enzyme activities, genetic material, membrane structure, and immune system. The problems in the studies of UVA-induced damages and the advantages of using amphibian as an experimental model in studying the impacts of UVA-induced damage were analyzed.

Key words: Mine soils, Heavy metal pollution, Soil microbial characteristics, Community structure