Spatio-temporal distribution of cell-bound and dissolved geosmin in Wahnbach Reservoir: Causes and potential odour nuisances in raw water

In many lakes and reservoirs, problems caused by off-flavours are known to be particularly associated with the occurrence of planktonic and benthic cyanobacteria. Frequently observed objectionable taste and odorous products of cyanobacteria are geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol.Investigations focused on the littoral zone of Wahnbach Reservoir (Germany) revealed that benthic cyanobacteria were present in this oligotrophic drinking water reservoir. Benthic cyanobacteria were found in the depth horizon between 1.75 m and 11 m, particularly on south-exposed slopes. This spatial distribution indicates a possible key role of the underwater light climate. Moreover, cell-bound and dissolved geosmin were detected in corresponding littoral samples. Both fractions were subjected to spatial and primarily temporal variations with maximum concentrations at the end of summer. However, a substantial lowering of the water level caused a diminution of cyanobacterial growth. Due to the drawdown of the water level concentrations of cell-bound geosmin and pigments (as a proxy of cyanobacterial biomass) were remarkably reduced, and dissolved geosmin was never detected during this phase. Except for the influence of water level fluctuation no other abiotic variables had a significant influence on pigment and geosmin concentrations. From geosmin concentrations detected in the littoral zone, the probability of serious episodes of odour events in the raw water of the Wahnbach Reservoir was estimated. Hence, the probability that the raw water was affected by geosmin was minor, which was supported by routine flavour profiles. Nevertheless, the study shows that odorous episodes caused by benthic cyanobacteria are likely to develop even in an oligotrophic lake or reservoir when these cyanobacteria, and consequently odorous production, proliferate. In principle, such a proliferation cannot be excluded as nutrients are available from the sediment pore water, and underwater light at the sediment surface in the sub-littoral is sufficiently high due to very low phytoplankton-induced turbidity under oligotrophic conditions. Thus, management-induced fluctuations of the water level seem to be the main control variable to generate light conditions at the sediment surface fluctuating in a given depth horizon faster than cyanobacteria can develop there.     

Cyanobacteria and earthy/musty compounds found in commercial catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) ponds in the Mississippi Delta and Mississippi--Alabama Blackland Prairie

The compounds responsible for earthy and musty "off-flavors" in farm-raised channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in the southeastern United States of America are geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), respectively. These compounds are produced by certain species of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that grow in the aquaculture ponds. Previous research has focused on the species of cyanobacteria found in catfish ponds in west Mississippi (the leading region of catfish production in the USA), while the species responsible for earthy/musty off-flavors in catfish produced in the Mississippi-Alabama Blackland Prairie (MABP) region (second greatest region of catfish production) have not been described. We examined water samples from commercial catfish ponds in both regions to contrast the different types of cyanobacteria and assess the prevalence of geosmin and MIB. Results established that filamentous cyanobacteria are more common in west Mississippi compared to the MABP region. Also, the MIB-producing cyanobacterium Oscillatoria perornata is present in catfish ponds in both geographic locations, and geosmin is more prevalent in catfish ponds in the MABP region than in west Mississippi.     

Dissolved iron and its speciation in a shallow eutrophic lake and its inflowing rivers

It has been suggested that iron is a limiting factor on bloom-forming cyanobacteria in lake water. Although the availability of iron for phytoplankton depends significantly on its speciation, little is known about iron speciation in natural lake water. We investigated the horizontal distribution and temporal variation of dissolved iron and its chemical speciation in Lake Kasumigaura and its two inflowing rivers. Concentrations of dissolved iron and its organic ligands, determined by cathodic stripping voltammetry, clearly decreased as lake water flowed from the river entry points toward the center of the lake, indicating their riverine origin. The fraction of iron occurring in organic complexes tended to increase with the water flow. These results suggest that most of the dissolved iron in river water forms unstable soluble species, such as inorganic iron; thus, these unstable iron species may be scavenged in the mouths of rivers, and stable organic complexes of iron may flow to the center of the lake. Furthermore, most of the dissolved iron (88.2-99.9%) was present as organic complexes, and the inorganic iron level in Lake Kasumigaura (pFe' value=7.8-13.6) was similar to that observed in the open ocean. This result suggests that iron is an important factor determining the structure of the phytoplankton community in Lake Kasumigaura.     

Ultrasonically induced degradation of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin

2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin (GSM) are taste and odor compounds produced by cyanobacteria in surface waters. While the strong odors and musty flavors of MIB and GSM are generally associated with poor water quality, the removal of these semi-volatile compounds presents a significant challenge to drinking water providers. Likewise in aquaculture, accumulation of these compounds in fish meat leads to quality problems and reduces marketability. Conventional water treatments are ineffective at removing low concentration of odor compounds. We report herein ultrasonic irradiation at 640 kHz leads to rapid degradation of MIB and GSM. While radical processes generally dominate during ultrasonic-induced degradation, pyrolysis appears to be responsible for a significant fraction of the observed degradation. Several pyrolytic products from MIB and GSM have been identified and degradation pathways are elucidated. The degradation of MIB and GSM follows the first-order kinetics and the rate constants are 0.07 and 0.12 min(-1), respectively. These results suggest ultrasonic irradiation maybe applicable as an effective method for removal of taint compounds from potable water supplies and fish farms.     

Enhancing the biofiltration of geosmin by seeding sand filter columns with a consortium of geosmin-degrading bacteria

Geosmin is a secondary metabolite that can be produced by many species of cyanobacteria and Actinomycetes. It imparts a musty/earthy taste and odour to drinking water which can result in consumer complaints and a general perception that there is a problem with the water quality. As geosmin is recalcitrant to conventional water treatment, processes are sought to ensure effective removal of this compound from potable water. Biological filtration (biofiltration) is an attractive option for geosmin removal as this compound has been shown to be biodegradable. However, effective biofiltration of geosmin can be site specific as it is highly dependent upon the types of organism present and there is often an extended acclimation period before efficient removals are achieved. We report here, a novel approach to enhance the biofiltration of geosmin by seeding sand filter columns with a bacterial consortium previously shown to be capable of effectively degrading geosmin. Geosmin removals of up to 75% were evident through sand columns which had been inoculated with the geosmin-degrading bacteria, when compared with non-inoculated sand columns where geosmin removals were as low as 25%. These low geosmin removals through the non-inoculated sand columns are consistent with previous studies and were attributed to physical/abiotic losses. The presence of an existing biofilm was shown to influence geosmin removal, as the biofilm allowed for greater attachment of the geosmin-degrading consortium (as determined by an ATP assay), and enhanced removals of geosmin. Minimal difference in geosmin removal was observed when the geosmin-degrading bacteria were inoculated into the sand columns containing either an active or inactive biofilm.     

Earthy odor compounds production and loss in three cyanobacterial cultures

Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) related odor events caused by cyanobacteria have been a very common problem to water supply. This paper investigated the effects of temperature (18 and 25 °C) and light intensity (10 and 100 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) on the production behaviors of earthy odor compounds by three odorous cyanobacteria, i.e., the geosmin-producing planktonic Anabaena circinalis (Ana 318), geosmin-producing benthic Phormidium amoenum (Pho 012) and MIB-producing benthic Phormidium sp. (Pho 689). At the same time, the effects of biodegradation and volatilization on the fates of the released odor compounds in water were also evaluated. The combination of high temperature (25 °C) and light intensity (100 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) favored the growth of the three cyanobacteria and the production of chl-a and odor compounds. However, higher chl-a and odor yields (average odor compounds per cell) were achieved for the two benthic cyanobacteria at the temperature of 18 °C. Most of geosmin was included within the cells for Ana 318 (95-99%) and Pho 012 (85-60%), while only 20-40% MIB was bound to the cells for Pho 689. The half-life times of MIB and geosmin due to volatilization varied between 18.8 and 35.4 days, while 8 out of 10 samples exhibited a half-life time (t_1/2) for geosmin biodegradation shorter than 1 day (0.38-15.0 h), showing that biodegradation could affect the fate of geosmin significantly in aquatic environments. In comparison, biodegradation of MIB was much slower (t_1/2: 122-2166 h). Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis showed that Pseudomonas- and Sphingomonas-like bacteria coexisted with cyanobacteria in the cultures, and may have played an important role in geosmin/MIB biodegradation. The result of this study will be helpful for better understanding and managing the earthy odor problems caused by cyanobacteria in water supply.     

Development of predictive models for geosmin-related taste and odor in Kansas, USA, drinking water reservoirs

The presence of taste and odor compounds can greatly reduce the quality of drinking water supplies. Because the monetary costs associated with the removal of these compounds can be high, it is impractical for most facilities to continuously treat their raw water. Instead, new tools are needed to help predict when taste and odor events may be most likely to occur. Water quality data were collected between June and October in 2006-2007 from five Kansas (USA) reservoirs in order to develop predictive models for geosmin, a major taste and odor compound; two of these reservoirs were also sampled during specific taste and odor events in December 2006 and January 2007. Lake trophic state alone was not a good predictor of geosmin concentrations as the highest average geosmin concentration was observed in the reservoir with the lowest nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations. In addition, taste and odor events were not confined to summer months; elevated geosmin concentrations were observed in several reservoirs during the winter. Growth limitation by inorganic phosphorus appeared to be the primary determinant of geosmin production by algal cells in these reservoirs.     

Occurrence of dissolved and particle-bound taste and odor compounds in Swiss lake waters

The occurrence of algal taste and odor (T&O) compounds was investigated in three Swiss lakes which exhibit different nutrient levels from eutrophic to oligotrophic (Lake Greifensee, Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne). Apart from dissolved T&O compounds, the study also encompassed particle-bound compounds, i.e., compounds that can be released from damaged algal cells during drinking water treatment. A combined instrumental (SPME-GC-MS) and sensory method was applied that allowed to detect and quantify T&O compounds in natural waters in the sub ppt to low ppt-range.In addition to the prominent T&O compounds geosmin and 2-methyl-isoborneol (MIB), four other T&O compounds could be detected in the lake waters, though all at relatively low concentrations (maximum concentrations of geosmin 19 ng L⁻¹, MIB 3 ng L⁻¹, β-ionone 27 ng L⁻¹, β-cyclocitral 7 ng L⁻¹, 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine 2 ng L⁻¹, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine 16 ng L⁻¹). The concentration peaks typically occurred in the epilimnion during summer concurrent with a high phytoplankton biomass. Consistently, the concentration levels for most of the compounds varied substantially between the three lakes and generally decreased in the order eutrophic Lake Greifensee > mesotrophic Lake Zurich > oligotrophic Lake Lucerne. Furthermore, our data revealed that the occurrence of β-ionone was largely influenced by Planktothrix rubescens. This is the first time that a correlation between β-ionone and this cyanobacterium has been reported for natural waters.     

Establishment of a real-time PCR method for quantification of geosmin-producing Streptomyces spp. in recirculating aquaculture systems

Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) have been associated with off-flavour problems in fish and seafood products, generating a strong negative impact for aquaculture industries. Although most of the producers of geosmin and MIB have been identified as Streptomyces species or cyanobacteria, Streptomyces spp. are thought to be responsible for the synthesis of these compounds in indoor recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The detection of genes involved in the synthesis of geosmin and MIB can be a relevant indicator of the beginning of off-flavour events in RAS. Here, we report a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol targeting geoA sequences that encode a germacradienol synthase involved in geosmin synthesis. New geoA-related sequences were retrieved from eleven geosmin-producing Actinomycete strains, among them two Streptomyces strains isolated from two RAS. Combined with geoA-related sequences available in gene databases, we designed primers and standards suitable for qPCR assays targeting mainly Streptomyces geoA. Using our qPCR protocol, we succeeded in measuring the level of geoA copies in sand filter and biofilters in two RAS. This study is the first to apply qPCR assays to detect and quantify the geosmin synthesis gene (geoA) in RAS. Quantification of geoA in RAS could permit the monitoring of the level of geosmin producers prior to the occurrence of geosmin production. This information will be most valuable for fish producers to manage further development of off-flavour events.     

Comparison of batch sorption tests, pilot studies, and modeling for estimating GAC bed life

Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) in Saint Paul, MN experiences annual taste and odor episodes during the warm summer months. These episodes are attributed primarily to geosmin that is produced by cyanobacteria growing in the chain of lakes used to convey and store the source water pumped from the Mississippi River. Batch experiments, pilot-scale experiments, and model simulations were performed to determine the geosmin removal performance and bed life of a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter-sorber. Using batch adsorption isotherm parameters, the estimated bed life for the GAC filter-sorber ranged from 920 to 1241 days when challenged with a constant concentration of 100 ng/L of geosmin. The estimated bed life obtained using the AdDesignS model and the actual pilot-plant loading history was 594 days. Based on the pilot-scale GAC column data, the actual bed life (>714 days) was much longer than the simulated values because bed life was extended by biological degradation of geosmin. The continuous feeding of high concentrations of geosmin (100-400 ng/L) in the pilot-scale experiments enriched for a robust geosmin-degrading culture that was sustained when the geosmin feed was turned off for 40 days. It is unclear, however, whether a geosmin-degrading culture can be established in a full-scale filter that experiences taste and odor episodes for only 1 or 2 months per year. The results of this research indicate that care must be exercised in the design and interpretation of pilot-scale experiments and model simulations for predicting taste and odor removal in full-scale GAC filter-sorbers. Adsorption and the potential for biological degradation must be considered to estimate GAC bed life for the conditions of intermittent geosmin loading typically experienced by full-scale systems.     

Characterization of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in the Brazilian Amazon floodplain

The diversity of the free-living nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterial community in the floodplain sediments along the Solimões and Amazon Rivers and some of their tributaries (Japurá, Negro and Madeira) was investigated. Five cyanobacterial genera were morphologically identified, four of which (Nostoc, Calothrix, Cylindrospermum and Fischerella) have not previously been isolated from the Brazilian Amazon floodplain. Nostoc strains were the most commonly found heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria. Five strains (N. muscorum CENA18 and CENA61, N. piscinale CENA21, Cylindrospermum sp. CENA33 and Fischerella sp. CENA19) were selected for growth measurement, ability to fix N₂ and phylogenetic analysis, based on their widespread distribution and morphological distinction. Molecular analyses employing 16S rRNA sequences indicated that some of the isolates may represent novel cyanobacterial species. Dinitrogen fixed by these strains was measured indirectly as acetylene reduction activity and ranged from 11.5 to 22.2 nmol C₂H₄ μg Chl a⁻¹ h⁻¹. These results provide evidence of widespread and importance of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria as a source of N inputs in the Amazonian ecosystem.     

Occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms for the first time in Lake Karaoun,Lebanon

The increasing occurrence of cyanobacterial bloom in freshwaters worldwide is of great importance because of public health risks. In addition, they are very likely to have negative impact on ecological and economic aspects. In this study, the seasonal succession of phytoplankton population in Lake Karaoun in Lebanon was monitored from May 2009 to June 2011. The physicochemical parameters of lake water were then monitored for 1 year, from June 2010 until June 2011, to correlate the physicochemical parameters with the phytoplankton population in the lake. Our results showed, for the first time in Lebanon, that the eutrophied Lake Karaoun has been under the invasion of toxic cyanobacterial blooms since May 2009. The cyanobacterial bloom was persistent from late spring (May) until late fall (December) for 2 consecutive years. The high water temperature in the summer season is the main factor that has been affecting the growth of the cyanobacteria. The most frequently encountered bloom‐forming species were Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum, which were either present individually or coexistent. The obtained results showed that during the period of cyanobacterial bloom, a deterioration of water quality defined by low levels of dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and electric conductivity was reported. During cyanobacterial bloom period, the concentration of the orthophosphate–P (PO4‐P) was very minimal. The measured high value of chlorophyll‐a concentration during cyanobacterial bloom period (48.6 μg/L) was attributed to high photosynthetic activity. Cyanobacterial blooms can cause a variety of water‐quality problems in Lake Karaoun in addition to human health risk.     

Inhibitory effects of odor substances,geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol,on early development of sea urchins

Geosmin (1α,10β-dimethyl-9α-decanol) and 2-methylisoborneol ((1-R-exo)-1,2,7,7-tetramethyl-bicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptan-2-ol) (MIB) are volatile terpene derivatives, and have received a great deal of attention because they can cause musty/muddy off-flavor in water and food resources. By the Ames test, these metabolites showed no mutagenicity but antimicrobial activity toward tester strains. While these compounds are produced by various organisms living in aquatic environments, there are few reports of their effects on aquatic organisms. The effects of geosmin and MIB on sea urchin development were examined. The estimated IC₅₀ (50% inhibitory concentration) values for the formation of the fertilization membrane were 16.67 mg geosmin l⁻¹ and 68.77 mg MIB l⁻¹; those for the cell cleavage were 16.58 mg geosmin l⁻¹ and 66.86 mg MIB l⁻¹, suggesting that the toxicity of geosmin and MIB toward sea urchins are comparable to their toxicity toward Salmonella tester strains in the Ames test. These values are far greater than concentrations of these substances observed in aquatic environments with severe muddy off-flavor problems.     

HS-SPME-GC法测定水中典型嗅味物质

研究了气相色谱仪（GC）测定水中典型噢味物质（土臭素、2-甲基异茨醇、2-甲氧基-3-异丙基吡啶、2-甲氧基-3-并丁基吡嗪和2，4，6-三氯苯甲醚）的改进方法。采用新型顶空-固相微萃取（head-space solid-phase microextraction，HS—SPME）方法对水样进行前期富集处理，然后利用气相色谱氢离子火焰检测器（FID）进行测定。在优化试验条件下对嗅味物质的测定结果显示，5种嗅味物质的峰面积与其浓度有较好的相关性，其相关系数〉0．87；该方法对5种嗅味物质的检出限值较低，其中对土臭素的检出限为0．4ng/L。改进后的测定方法适用于气相色谱仪，操作简单省时，对于推广嗅味物质的检测具有重要的实际意义。     

House characteristics and condition as determinants of visible mold and musty odor: Results from three New Zealand House Condition Surveys in 2005, 2010, and 2015

This study assessed associations between house characteristics and mold and musty odor, using data from three consecutive (2005, 2010, and 2015) New Zealand House Condition Surveys, involving a total of 1616 timber-framed houses. Mold, musty odor, and house characteristics were assessed by independent building inspectors. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses mutually adjusted for other house characteristics for each survey separately. Positive and independent associations were found with tenure, ventilation, insulation, and envelope condition for both mold in living and bedrooms and musty odor. In particular, we found significant dose-response associations with envelope condition, ventilation, and insulation. Odds of mold increased 2.4–15.9 times (across surveys) in houses with the worst building envelope condition (BEC; p < 0.05–0.001 for trend); optimal ventilation reduced the risk of mold by 60% and the risk of musty odor by 70%–90% (p < 0.01 for trend). Other factors associated with mold and musty odor included: tenure, with an approximate doubling of odds of mold across surveys; and insulation with consistent dose-response patterns in all outcomes and surveys tested (p < 0.05 for trend in two surveys with mold and one survey for odor). In conclusion, this study showed the importance of BEC, ventilation, and insulation to avoiding harmful damp-related exposures.     

Benthic cyanobacteria (Oscillatoriaceae) that produce microcystin-LR, isolated from four reservoirs in southern California

Cyanobacteria that produce the toxin microcystin have been isolated from many parts of the world. Most of these organisms are planktonic; however, we report on several microcystin-producing benthic filamentous cyanobacterial isolates from four drinking-water reservoirs in southern California (USA): Lake Mathews, Lake Skinner, Diamond Valley Lake (DVL), and Lake Perris. Some samples of benthic material from these reservoirs tested positive for microcystin by an ELISA tube assay, and all the positive samples had in common a green filamentous cyanobacterium 10-15microm in diameter. Seventeen unialgal strains of the organism were isolated and tested positive by ELISA, and 11 cultures of these strains were found to contain high concentrations of microcystin-LR (90-432microgL(-1)). The cultures were analyzed by protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA) and HPLC with photodiode array detector (PDA) or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Microcystin per unit carbon was determined for six cultures and ranged from 1.15 to 4.15microgmg(-1) C. Phylogenetic analysis of four cultures from Lake Skinner and DVL using cyanobacterial-specific PCR and sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA gene suggested the highest similarity to an unidentified cyanobacterium in the oscillatoriales, and to a Phormidium sp. Morphologically, some of the isolates were similar to Oscillatoria, and others resembled Lyngbya. The significance of these organisms lies in the relative scarcity of known toxin producers among freshwater benthic cyanobacteria, and also as a source of cell-bound microcystin in these reservoirs.     

Dynamics of dissolved oxygen during algal bloom in Lake Kasumigaura, Japan

Dynamics of dissolved oxygen during an algal bloom were studied in Lake Kasumigaura. Great amounts of oxygen arose from photosynthesis, and the concentration of dissolved oxygen reached 190% of saturation at 12 h. The majority of the dissolved oxygen produced was liberated into the atmosphere or consumed by microorganisms. Only minor fractions were transported into the dysphotic zone due to the low eddy diffusion coefficient in deeper waters of the euphotic zone.     

Correlation of musty odor and 2-MIB in two drinking water treatment plants in South Taiwan

Possible odor groups and intensity, and seasonal effects were elucidated in two representative water treatment plants (WTPs), Feng-Shen and Gun-Shi, in southern Taiwan. The flavor profile analysis (FPA) was employed to determine the odor groups for the source water, while a chemical analysis, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometric detector (GC/MSD), was used to concentrate and subsequently analyze the corresponding water samples. FPA results show that fishy and musty odors were the two major odor groups in the source water. Results of chemical analysis showed that 2-methyl-isoborneol (2-MIB) was present in the source water. The correlation between 2-MIB concentration and the FPA intensity of musty odor was compared with the dose-response curve generated in the laboratory by the FPA panelists. The experimental data from the two water treatment plants follow the calibration curve closely, indicating that the musty odor of the two source waters were most likely contributed from 2-MIB. In addition, there is good correlation between logarithmic 2-MIB concentration and water temperature, substantiating the importance of seasonal effect. Although approximately 40-50% of 2-MIB removal was found in the treatment trains for the two WTPs, only an approximately 0.3 FPA intensity scale of reduction was expected.     

Volatile organic compounds in natural biofilm in polyethylene pipes supplied with lake water and treated water from the distribution network

The objective of this work was investigation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in natural biofilm inside polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines at continuously flowing water. VOC in biofilm may contribute to off-flavour episodes in drinking water. The pipelines were supplied with raw lake water and treated water from the distribution network. Biofilm was established at test sites located at two different drinking water distribution networks and their raw water sources. A whole range of volatile compounds were identified in the biofilm, including compounds frequently associated with cyanobacteria and algae, such as ectocarpene, dictyopterene A and C', geosmin, beta-ionone and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one. In addition, volatile amines, dimethyldisulphide and 2-nonanone, presumably originating from microorganisms growing in the biofilm, were identified. C8-compounds such as 1-octen-3-one and 3-octanone were believed to be products from microfungi in the biofilm. Degradation products from antioxidants such as Irgafos 168, Irganox 1010 and Irganox 1076 used in HDPE pipes, corresponding to 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and 2,6-di-tert-butylbenzoquinone, were present in the biofilm.     

Environmental and nutritional factors affecting geosmin synthesis by Anabaena sp

A cyanobacterium isolated from a source-water reservoir during a spring odor and taste episode and identified as Anabaena sp. consistently produced geosmin during laboratory culture on modified BG-11 liquid medium. Maximal geosmin/biomass occurred at 20 degrees C and a light intensity of 17 microE/m2/s; geosmin/chla values directly correlated with increasing light intensity (r2 = 0.95, P < 0.01). It was concluded that at 20 degrees C, increasing light intensity favors less chla synthesis and higher geosmin synthesis; at 17 microE/m2/s, increasing temperature stimulates chla production (to 25 degrees C) while repressing geosmin synthesis (above 20 degrees C). Nutritional factors promoting biomass, chla, and geosmin synthesis by Anabaena sp. were also investigated. For cultures grown at 17 microE/m2/s and 20 degrees C for 20 days, both ammonium-N and nitrate-N generally enhanced the growth of Anabaena sp. Nitrate-N promoted more chla production (r2 = 0.99) than ammonium-N. Geosmin synthesis was directly correlated with ammonium-N concentrations (r2 = 0.89), with low nitrate-N (123.5 micrograms/l) favoring maximal geosmin production (2.8 micrograms/l). Increasing nitrate-N concentrations promoted a three-fold increase in chla content with geosmin synthesis decreased by two-fold. Geosmin/mg biomass was directly related to ammonium-N concentration; high nitrate-N levels suppressed geosmin production. No geosmin was detected at or below 118 micrograms phosphate-phosphorus/l. Geosmin, dry weight biomass, and chla production were correlated with increasing phosphorus (P) concentration (r2 = 0.76, 0.96 and 0.98, respectively). No geosmin was detected when copper was present in growth media at or above 6.92 micrograms Cu2+/l (CuSO4.5H2O). Dry weight biomass and chla production were negatively correlated with Cu2+ ion concentrations.