Sulphide detoxification in Hediste diversicolor and Marenzelleria viridis, two dominant polychaete worms within the shallow coastal waters of the southern Baltic Sea

摘要: Abstract The polychaete worms Marenzelleria viridis (Verrill 1873) and Hediste diversicolor (O.F. Muller) form the main part of macro-zoobenthos in soft-bottomed shallow inlets Baltic Sea. Due to high eutrophication within these waters animals are exposed low oxygen sulphide concentrations. Specimens both species from a salinity location (S 8 ‰) were compared concerning their physiological abilities coping with this hostile environment. Sulphide detoxification occurred polychaetes even during severe hypoxia end-product being thiosulphate. In absence nearly no end-products anaerobic metabolism found moderate (pO2=7 kPa). presence hydrogen sulphide, succinate, sensitive indicator metabolism, was accumulated higher amounts at concentrations (0.3 mM) already. Oxygen consumption ATP production determined isolated mitochondria species. Both able perform enzymatic oxidation up 50 μM. This process coupled oxidative phosphorylation. At least M. respiration not completely inhibited by cyanide, suggesting an alternative pathway, which by-passes cytochrome-c-oxidase. two did differ rate detoxification, but H. produced about as twice much mitochondrial oxidation. Differences probably related different life strategies worms.