MEPS 143:131-139 (1996)  -  doi:10.3354/meps143131

The Baltic brackish water isopod Saduria entomon was exposed (8 h; T: 11°C; S: 10 ppt) to hypoxia (0.1 kPa) and to hypoxia (0.7 kPa) with sulfide (41 µM). Oxygen consumption was measured using computer-controlled intermittent respirometry. The routine oxygen consumption was 0.109 mg O₂ h^-1 g^-1 at normoxia (19.5 kPa). The recovery from hypoxia with and without sulfide was studied in terms of oxygen debt, reduced sulfur concentration and anaerobic metabolites. In hypoxia, the metabolism of S. entomon was reduced by 70% compared to the normoxic level and the oxygen debt was 0.57 mg O₂ g^-1. Normal respiration rate was re-established after 8 h of recovery. Lactate oxidation accounted for 44% of the oxygen debt. In hypoxia with sulfide, the metabolism was reduced by 38% compared to the normoxic level and the oxygen debt was 2.74 mg O₂ g^-1 (5 times the oxygen debt at hypoxia). Normal respiration level was not restored until 28 h after exposure. Lactate oxidation accounted for only 20% of the oxygen debt. Sulfide and detoxification products accounted for as little as 0.04% (1 µg O₂ g^-1 wet wt) of the oxygen debt. The majority (80%) of processes that occurred during the recovery from sulfide exposure are inferred to be involved in restoring normal cell function. Removal of internal sulfide and reoxidation of anaerobic metabolites play secondary roles.

Sulfide · Hypoxia · Recovery · Oxygen debt · Anaerobic metabolites · Saduria entomon