Sulfide production in anaerobic microcosms

Abstract

The source of free sulfide in tidal flat sediments and the mechanisms leading to its generation were investigated by growing mixed cultures of anaerobic sediment bacteria in media containing organic material extracted from sediments and benthic algae. Sulfide production was observed in all cultures; stoichiometric considerations indicated sulfate reduction was the most important mechanism. Sulfide production rates were directly dependent on the transient concentrations of both sulfate and soluble organic carbon in the media.