VOLATILE ORGANIC SULFIDES FROM FRESHWATER ALGAE1

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was found to be the principle biogenic sulfur compound in a freshwater environment. Endemic and non-endemic algae were cultured under axenic and nonaxenic conditions in defined media. Sulfur gas analysis of culture fluids indicated that members of the Cyanophyta were probable sources of DMS whereas representatives of the divisions Chlorophyta, Xanthophyta and Bacillariophyta apparently did not produce this compound. Comparison of gaseous contents of young and old nonaxenic cultures of filamentous algae in the divisions Chlorophyta and Xanthophyta showed DMS occurred only in aged cultures and was probably produced by bacteria utilizing substances from senescent algal cells. Data suggest that the composition of the algal community determines whether DMS is algal and/or bacterial in origin.