ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS FOR TOLERANCE AND EXPLOITATION OF POISONOUS SULFIDE

Many aquatic animal species can survive sulfide exposure to some extent through oxidation of the sulfide, which results mainly in thiosulfate. In several species, sulfide oxidation is localized in the mitochondria and is accompanied by ATP synthesis. In addition, blood-based and intracellular compounds can augment sulfide oxidation. The formation of thiosulfate requires oxygen, which results in an increase in oxygen consumption of some species. If not all sulfide is detoxified, cytochrome c oxidase is inhibited. Under these conditions, a sulfide-dependent anaerobic energy metabolism commences.