Odorous compounds in natural waters. Some sulfur compounds associated with blue-green algae

Gas-chromatographic analyses of steam-distillates of growing and decaying cultures of blue-green algae (Microcystis flos-aquae, Oscillatoria chalybia, and Anabaena spp.) were combined with spot tests to identify odorous sulphur compounds. Most of these were found to be associated with bacteria decomposition of the algal cells, and included several mercaptans, dimethyl sulphide, and dimethyl disulphide. However, Microcystis flos-aquae was found to produce isopropyl mercaptan during active growth.