Evaluation of Bacillus as a practical means for degradation of geosmin

A specific method for analysis of geosmin in bacterial cultures was developed which used a minimum of manipulation. Strains of Bacillus cereus, previously reported to degrade geosmin, were tested for their ability to degrade synthetic geosmin. The initial concentration of geosmin in media was not appreciably changed by the growth of the Bacillus strains. The natural isomer of geosmin was also tested with one of these strains and was not degraded. Previous evidence for the degradation of geosmin by Bacillus is discussed critically.