Production of volatile sulfur compounds during the decomposition of algal mats

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1977 Dec;34(6):859-60. doi: 10.1128/aem.34.6.859-860.1977.

Abstract

Blue-green algal mats incubated anaerobically rapidly produce large amounts of volatile sulfur compounds, including hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. The major organic sulfur compound is methyl mercaptan, in contrast to previous results with marine eucaryotic algae. Light inhibited production of volatile sulfur compounds, apparently because the algae then produced O2, rendering the system aerobic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Cyanobacteria / metabolism*
  • Darkness
  • Disulfides / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / metabolism
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / metabolism
  • Sulfur / metabolism*
  • Water Microbiology*

Substances

  • Disulfides
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Sulfur
  • Hydrogen Sulfide