Volatile Compounds Excreted by Myxobacteria Isolated from Lake Water and Sediments

Abstract

Odor compounds produced by myxobacterial strains isolated from lake water and sediments were studied. The major odor compound was identified as geosmin, which was produced in culture medium in a range from 7 to 270μgμl-1· The geosmin content in cells varied with growth conditions. Higher concentrations were observed in the exponential phase, and its concentration decreased in the stationary phase of growth. The loss of geosmin content in cells was accompanied by an increase in geosmin released into the media. © 1994, The Japanese Society of Limnology. All rights reserved.