Origin and Fate of Odorous Metabolites, 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin, in a Eutrophic Reservoir

Abstract

Taste-and-Odor (T&O) occurrences are a worldwide problem and can locally have extensive socio-economic impacts in contaminated waterbodies. Tracing odorous compounds in surface waters or controlling the growth of producing organisms is particularly challenging. These approaches require the understanding of complex interactions between broad climate heterogeneity, large-scale physical processes such basin hydrology, lake/reservoir circulation, responses of aquatic ecosystems and communities. Eagle Creek Reservoir (ECR), a eutrophic water body, located in central Indiana experiences annual odorous outbreaks of variable durations and intensities that can impair its water quality. Two major compounds, 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin, have been identified as the main culprits occurring seasonally when the reservoir receives high discharges and nutrient loads from its main tributaries. Under these conditions, the growth of T&O-producing bacteria tends to take over other phytoplanktic organisms. Discrete samples collected within the water column during severe outbreaks in 2013 revealed that some bacterioplankton members belonging to Actinobacteria (Streptomyces) and Cyanobacteria (Planktothrix) were involved in the generation of T&O compounds. Most of this production occurred in the upper layers of the water column where higher abundances of key enzymes from MIB and geosmin metabolic pathways were detected. Application of a copper-based algaecide to curb the biosynthesis of bacterial metabolites led to geosmin production (linked to Cyanobacteria) being quickly terminated, whereas MIB levels (linked to Actinobacteria) lingered for several weeks after the algaecide treatment. Significant chemical differences in the association of these metabolites were measured in ECR. Geosmin was dominantly found cell-bound and settling after cellular death increases susceptibility to biodegradation in bottom sediments. MIB was mostly found dissolved making it less susceptible to biodegradation in bottom sediments. Genetic data identified Novosphingobium hassiacum and Sphingomonas oligophenolica (α- Proteobacteria) as potential degraders of geosmin and, four Flavobacterium species (Bacteroidetes) as potential MIB degraders. The role of Eagle Creek natural sediments in the removal of bacterial metabolites via chemical adsorption was also tested but was not proven efficient. Bacterial breakdown activity was demonstrated to be the major loss mechanism of MIB and geosmin.