Evidence suggesting anaerobic oxidation of the bisulfide ion in Chesapeake Bay

Upper Chesapeake Bay bottom waters are stratified in the summer. In the water column below the pycnocline, anoxic and sulfidic conditions exist. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations approach 60 μM or greater and elemental sulfur is also present. Water samples brought on board ship, exposed to light, and not treated with formaldehyde show rapid sulfide decomposition which is significantly faster than sulfide oxidation by molecular oxygen. The data presented show evidence for anaerobic, sulfide oxidation. The kinetics of the decomposition are consistent with possible biological mediation. Hydrogen, peroxide produced by microorganisms may be the chemical oxidant responsible for the oxidation. Alternately, solid metal oxides such as colloidal manganese oxide phases may be reponsible.