Hydrogen sulfide intrusion in seagrasses from Shark Bay, Western Australia

Despite significant hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) intrusion into seagrass tissues—ranging from less than 20% to 100% in roots and rhizomes—no deleterious effects were observed in six seagrass species from Shark Bay, Western Australia. This finding contrasts with other coastal regions like Florida Bay, where sulfide toxicity has been linked to seagrass dieback. The study examined sulfide accumulation and anatomical differences in aerenchyma (air channels) and cell wall thickening, which may influence H₂S intrusion. While total sulfur accumulation varied among species, no consistent pattern emerged between larger, long-lived species and smaller, less persistent ones. Sediment sulfide concentrations were notably lower in Shark Bay than in Florida Bay, suggesting that current conditions may mitigate adverse effects.

Cambridge, M. L., Fraser, M. W., Holmer, M., Kuo, J., & Kendrick, G. A. (2012). Hydrogen sulfide intrusion in seagrasses from Shark Bay, Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63(11), 1027–1038. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf12022