The smell of the sea: Production of dimethylsulphoniopropionate and its conversion into dimethylsulphide by the marine phytoplankton genus Phaeocystis

The smell of the sea is caused by the volatile organic sulphur compound dimethylsulphide (DMS). Low concentrations of DMS in the water (low nM range) and the atmosphere can be found in all marine areas. High concentrations (high nM range) often coincide with blooms of specific marine phytoplankton species. Locally, high concentrations are also observed in the water overflowing beds of specific macroalgae and corals, and in sediments of mudflats and microbial mats. ... (Zie: Samenvatting)