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In vivo measurements of the internal pH of Hediste (Nereis) diversicolor (Annelida, Polychaeta) exposed to ambient sulphidic conditions using pH microelectrodes.

Authors :
Sommer S
Jahn A
Funke F
Brenke N
Source :
Die Naturwissenschaften [Naturwissenschaften] 2000 Jun; Vol. 87 (6), pp. 283-7.
Publication Year :
2000

Abstract

The effect of different ambient sulphide concentrations on the internal pH regime of Hediste (Nereis) diversicolor was studied under in vivo conditions using liquid membrane pH microelectrodes, a method which is new to marine sciences. As a case study, the hypothesis was tested whether organisms exposed to ambient sulphidic conditions are able to lower their internal pH which, in effect, would reduce sulphide influx into the animals and thus could represent an effective detoxification mechanism. It was shown that a significant lowering of the internal pH occurred within only 20 min after adding sulphide. This pH lowering appeared to be dependent on the external sulphide concentration of the ambient medium and showed a saturation beyond a threshold level of about 130 microM. It is discussed whether this sulphide-induced pH drop is an active regulatory mechanism and acts as an effective protection mechanism against sulphide during short-term exposures.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0028-1042
Volume :
87
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Die Naturwissenschaften
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
10929295
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s001140050723