How Tiny Water Plants Make Your Drinking Water Smell Bad

Cyanobacteria, those tiny green plants in water, can make drinking water smell and taste bad. They do this by releasing a chemical called 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB. Even a tiny bit of MIB can ruin the water's quality. But how and when these plants release MIB is still a mystery.

Scientific Breakthrough

Scientists conducted experiments using two types of cyanobacteria to understand their growth and MIB release patterns. They discovered that the amount of MIB outside the cells changes as the plants grow:

• Initially, it decreases.
• Then, it increases and stays steady.

This happens because the plants crowd each other, causing some to burst and release MIB.

Impact on Large Lakes

This discovery is crucial for large lakes like Lake Taihu. Using a new model, scientists can now predict when and where MIB will cause smell issues. The worst smells occur when:

• Water temperature is around 15°C or above 30°C.
• There is moderate sunlight.

Regular checks miss these patterns, but the new model doesn't.

Broader Implications

This isn't just about MIB. The same mechanism may apply to other algae-produced chemicals like geosmin and cyanotoxins. Understanding how these plants function can improve water quality management.

By knowing when and why these plants release bad-smelling chemicals, we can take action before the water quality deteriorates.

Growth Stage Matters

It's not just about the number of plants—their growth stage also matters. This means we need to rethink how to control these plants and keep our water safe.