Degradation of geosmin-like compounds by selected species of gram-positive bacteria.

Biodegradation of geosmin produced by Streptomyces halstedii (A-1 strain) was investigated using seven Gram-positive bacteria. Bacterial action on the A-1 extract was followed at 15, 45 and 120 min. Bacillus cereus ssp. thuringiensis HD-1, B. cereus 3711 and B. cereus ssp. mycoides 4379 showed no effect. However, Arthrobacter atrocyaneus, Arth. globiformis, Chlorophenolicus N-1053 and Rhodococcus maris caused a colour change from blue to yellow (positive reaction). These data suggest that geosmin can be degraded by specific species of Gram-positive bacteria. Biodegradation of geosmin, which causes bad odour in drinking water, can be used as a new technology in water treatment.