Rates of sediment sulphide oxidation by the bivalve mollusc Thyasira sarsi

• Published in: Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) Vol. 280; pp. 181 - 187
• Main Authors: DANDO, P. R, SOUTHWARD, A. J, SOUTHWARD, E. C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oldendorf Inter-Research 14-10-2004
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Marine; Mollusca; Sea water ecosystems; Synecology; Thyasira; Thyasira sarsi; Thyasiridae; ANE, Norway, Grimstadfjord; Sediments; Sulphide oxidation; Sulphate reduction; Bioturbation; Marine environment; Bivalvia; Thyasira sarsi; Ecosystem; Population dynamics; Oxidation; Invertebrata; Mollusca; Population density; Ecosystem engineering
• ISSN: 0171-8630; 1616-1599
• DOI: 10.3354/meps280181

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 super(-1) m super(-2), was close to the rate of sulphide formation in the same sediment, 8.2 mmol d super(-1) m super(-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.