Activity of cyanobacterial and algal odor compounds found in lake waters on green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa growth

Volatile organic compounds produced by cyanobacteria and algae in freshwater lakes and contributing to the odour of lakes were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa by the paper disk-agar plate method. Geosmin, beta -cyclocitral, alpha- and beta -ionones, and geranylacetone exhibited inhibitory activity by diffusion in the 2-5 mg ml(-1) range. alpha- and beta -Ionones and geranylacetone showed inhibition through the vapor phase at 10 mg ml(-1). Dimethyl disulfide showed no inhibition at 10 mg ml(-1). The norcarotenoids, which are prominent contributors to the odour of lake waters, were not significantly active in inhibiting the growth of Chlorella, with activity in the same range as monoterpene alcohols in general.