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MEPS 280:181-187 (2004)
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Abstract
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Rates of sediment sulphide oxidation by the bivalve mollusc Thyasira sarsi
P. R. Dando1,2,*, A. J. Southward2, E. C. Southward2
1School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
2Present address: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK
*Email: oss109@bangor.ac.uk
ABSTRACT: Several bivalve molluscs, including species of Thyasira (family Thyasiridae), use symbiotic sulphur-oxidising bacteria to exploit sulphides in reducing sediments are able to oxidise the insoluble sulphides as well as dissolved sulphide.
The behaviour of these bivalves was observed in narrow glass vessels. Rates of sulphide oxidation by Thyasira sarsi (Philippi) were determined in a mesocosm, using specimens and sediment from Oslofjord. The rate of oxidation of reduced sulphur
attributable to T. sarsi, 8.7 mmol d-1 m-2, was close to the rate of sulphide formation in the same sediment, 8.2 mmol d-1 m-2. This suggests that sulphate reduction rates control density in T.
sarsi populations. The activities of T. sarsi and other lucinaceans can re-oxidise reducing and polluted sediments, allowing colonisation by sulphide-intolerant benthic animals.
KEY WORDS: Thyasira sarsi · Sulphide oxidation · Sulphate reduction · Bioturbation · Population density · Ecosystem engineering
Full text in pdf format
Published in MEPS Vol.
280
(2004) on October 14
Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2004
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