The freshwater oligochaete Tubifex tubifex is able to absorb 14C‐labeled short‐chain carboxylic acids (VFA) from ambient water (Hipp et al., '86). In this paper evidence is given that VFA are transported across the body surface (autoradiography) and not taken up to any significant extent by bacteria or accumulated on the surface layer. Absorbed carboxylic acids are metabolized, as shown by the appearance of label in respiratory Co2 as well as in glycogen content. Rates of uptake are determined by the metabolic state of the worms. Under anoxic conditions, uptake is rapidly reduced. However, only 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic recovery were needed to regain aerobic control levels of uptake. Comparison of potential rates of VFA accumulation to rates of oxidative metabolism suggest that acetate and propionate might serve as an important nutritional supplement to these benthic freshwater animals.
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