Abstract
Effects of algae on the musty odor production by Streptomyces were studied. Six strains (A, C, E, F, I, J) of musty odor-producing Streptomyces, which were isolated from Lake Kasumigaura, were cultivated in the presence of algae which were isolated from the lake. Various strains utilized cells of Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena spiroides, Synedra acus and Synedra rumpens as a carbon source and produced musty odor. In order to identify the musty odorous compounds produced by three strains (E, F, I) of Streptomyces, these strains were cultivated with lyophilized cells of M. aeruginosa as a carbon source. All strains produced 2-methylisoborneol, while geosmin was produced by strain I. The musty odor production by Streptomyces was inhibited when living cells of Microcystis, Anabaena and Synedra associated with bacteria were used as a carbon source. However, three strains (E, F, I) of Streptomyces could utilize living axenic M. aeruginosa and produce musty odor. Two strains (E, I) could also produce musty odor in the odor production experiments with six strains added to the cultures of living axenic Synedra acus. Algae and bacteria were very important factors for the musty odor production by Streptomyces.
