Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), responsible for earthy or musty smell, are a major concern for safe drinking water supplies. This study investigated the effects of environmental factors on odorous compound production and cell growth in cyanobacterial strains. Anabaena sp. FACHB-1384, a 2-MIB producer, was sensitive to low temperature (<20°C). However, geosmin producers, Anabaena sp. Chusori and Anabaena sp. NIER, were sensitive to high light intensity (>100 μmol/m2/sec), but not to low temperature. Geosmin concentrations increased under higher nitrate concentrations, being linearly proportional to cell density. A P-limited chemostat showed that P-stress decreased the geosmin productivity and extracellular geosmin amount per cell in Anabaena sp. NIER. However, only 2-MIB productivity was reduced in Planktothrix sp. FACHB-1374 under P-limitation. The extracellular 2-MIB amount per cell remained constant at all dilution rates. In conclusion, high light intensity and P-stress can contribute to the lower incidence of geosmin, whereas 2-MIB reduction could be attainable at a lower temperature.
Keywords: 2-methylisoborneol; Anabaena; Geosmin; Planktothrix; chemostat; cyanobacteria.