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Reduced sulfur compound oxidation by Thiobacillus caldus.

The oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds was studied by using resting cells of the moderate thermophile Thiobacillus caldus strain KU. The oxygen consumption rate and total oxygen consumed were determined for the reduced sulfur compounds thiosulfate, tetrathionate, sulfur, sulfide, and sulfite in the absence and in the presence of inhibitors and uncouplers. The uncouplers 2,4-dinitrophenol and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone had no affect on the oxidation of thiosulfate, suggesting that thiosulfate is metabolized periplasmically. In contrast, the uncouplers completely inhibited the oxidation of tetrathionate, sulfide, sulfur, and sulfite, indicating that these compounds are metabolized in the cytoplasm of T. caldus KU. N-Ethylmaleimide inhibited the oxidation of tetrathionate and thiosulfate at the stage of elemental sulfur, while 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide stopped the oxidation of thiosulfate, tetrathionate, and elemental sulfur at the stage of sulfite. The following intermediates in the oxidation of the sulfur compounds were found by using uncouplers and inhibitors: thiosulfate was oxidized to tetrathionate, elemental sulfur was formed during the oxidation of tetrathionate and sulfide, and sulfite was found as an intermediate of tetrathionate and sulfur metabolism. On the basis of these data we propose a model for the metabolism of the reduced inorganic sulfur compounds by T. caldus KU.

Ethylmaleimide↗

Occurrence and abatement of volatile sulfur compounds during biogas production.

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in biogas originating from a biogas production plant and from a municipal sewage water treatment plant were identified. Samples were taken at various stages of the biogas-producing process, including upgrading the gas to vehicle-fuel quality. Solid-phase microextraction was used for preconcentration of the VSCs, which were subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. Other volatile organic compounds present also were identified. The most commonly occurring VSCs in the biogas were hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, and hydrogen sulfide was not always the most abundant sulfur (S) compound. Besides VSCs, oxygenated organic compounds were commonly present (e.g., ketones, alcohols, and esters). The effect of adding iron chloride to the biogas reactor on the occurrence of VSCs also was investigated. It was found that additions of 500-g/m3 substrate gave an optimal removal of VSCs. Also, the use of a prefermentation step could reduce the amount of VSCs formed in the biogas process. Moreover, in the carbon dioxide scrubber used for upgrading the gas, VSCs were removed efficiently, leaving traces (ppbv levels). The scrubber also removed other organic compounds.

Air Pollutants↗

Volatile sulfur compounds in human expiration after eating raw or heat-treated garlic.

Volatile sulfur compounds arising from grated raw or heat-treated garlic in both in-vitro and in-vivo tests were gas-chromatographically analyzed. In in-vitro tests, the head-space vapor gas from garlic in a vial was analyzed. It was clarified that allyl mercaptan arising from raw garlic decreased with the passage of time and other volatile low-molecular sulfur compounds (LMSC) did not show remarkable changes. The change of LMSC from heat-treated garlic was also studied. Methyl mercaptan and allyl mercaptan from heat-treated garlic gradually increased to some extent. On the other hand, the quantities of somewhat high-molecular sulfur compounds (HMSC) were much less in heat-treated garlic compared to those of raw garlic. These compounds increased till approx. 60 min and then decreased gradually. In in-vivo tests, human expiration after eating garlic was analyzed. Allyl mercaptan, methyl mercaptan and allyl methyl sulfide in LMSC were detected in significant amounts. The quantities of these compounds arising from heat-treated garlic were smaller than those from raw garlic. These compounds had the tendency of decreasing with the passage of time. On the other hand, almost no HMSC was detected in both raw and heat-treated garlic. By sensory testing, raw garlic showed a stronger smell than heat-treated garlic in both in-vitro and in-vivo tests. GC analysis exhibited higher values of volatile sulfur compounds in raw garlic. That is, the higher the volatile sulfur compound level, the stronger the garlic flavor or malodor.

Allyl Compounds↗

Volatile sulfur compounds produced by Helicobacter pylori.

GOALS: To assess the volatile sulfur compounds produced by three strains of Helicobacter pylori in broth cultures mixed with sulfur-containing amino acids. BACKGROUND: Halitosis has been reported in H. pylori-positive patients, and volatile sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are known to be responsible for inducing oral malodor. Whether H. pylori produces these volatile sulfur compounds has yet to be established. STUDY: Three strains of H. pylori (ATCC 43504, SS 1, DSM 4867) were cultured with 5 mM cysteine and methionine. After 72 hours of incubation, the headspace air was aspirated and injected directly into a gas chromatograph. The concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan were analyzed and compared between experimental and control cultures RESULTS: In broth containing 5 mM cysteine, hydrogen sulfide was increased by ATCC 43504 (P < 0.01) and SS 1 (P < 0.05), while methyl mercaptan was elevated only by SS 1 (P < 0.05). In broth containing 5 mM methionine, methyl mercaptan increases were significant for SS 1 (P < 0.05) and DSM 4867 (P < 0.05). In broth containing 5 mM cysteine and 5 mM methionine, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide was higher than in controls for all three strains (P < 0.01); that of methyl mercaptan was higher only for SS 1 (P < 0.01). Cysteine addition to cultures containing methionine increased hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan for ATCC 43504 (P < 0.05) and SS 1 (P < 0.05). Conversely, addition of methionine to cultures containing cysteine increased methyl mercaptan only for DSM 4867 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The production of volatile sulfur compounds by H. pylori is not only very complicated but also strain-specific. Nevertheless, H. pylori was shown to produce hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which suggests that this microorganism can contribute to the development of halitosis.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Determination of total sulfur compounds and benzothiazole in asphalt fume samples by gas chromatography with sulfur chemiluminescence detection.

As part of a collaborative project between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Federal Highway Administration to evaluate asphalt pavers' exposures to asphalt fume and their potential health effects, a method was developed for the determination of total sulfur compounds and benzothiazole in asphalt fume samples. Asphalt fume samples were collected from asphalt mixtures with and without the addition of ground-up rubber tires. The asphalt fume samples were collected with sampling trains that consisted of a Teflon membrane filter and an XAD-2 adsorbent tube. Filter and sampling tube media were extracted with hexane and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography with a sulfur chemiluminescence detector. Separation was achieved with a 100 percent dimethyl polysiloxane fused silica column. Typical calibration curves had linear correlation coefficients of 0.99 or better with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 5 percent. Benzothiazole desorption efficiency (DE) determined using spiked sampling tubes ranged from 96.5 percent at 5.0 micrograms to 89.4 percent at 40 micrograms with RSD values from 0.9 to 4.0 percent. Benzothiazole storage recovery determined using sampling tubes spiked at 20 micrograms and refrigerated for 30 days at 4 degrees C was 89.8 percent when corrected for the DE with an RSD of 1.1 percent. The limit of detection for the method determined using spiked sampling tubes was 0.30 microgram. Quantitation for total sulfur compounds and benzothiazole was against benzothiazole standards in hexane. Because of detector selectivity, sample preparation consisted of a simple hexane extraction even when samples had a high background due to hydrocarbon overload. Detector sensitivity provided quantitation in the sub-microgram region. Because of the sample preparation step and because benzothiazole was determined during the same analysis run, this method is straightforward and analytically efficient. The method has been used to analyze asphalt fume samples collected at several asphalt paving and roof operations.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry for the identification of organic sulfur compounds in shellfish and fish.

The authors determined that the organic sulfur compounds usually contained in crude oil can be used as a marker of oil pollution in shellfish and fish. Short-necked clams (Tapes Angdala phillipinarum A. et Reeve) and eels were maintained in a controlled laboratory environment in water with suspension of crude oil. Mass spectra and mass chromatograms of short-necked clam extract showed the presence of organic sulfur compounds of alkyl- (from C1 to C10) benzothiophenes, dibenzothiophene, alkyl- (C1 to C8) dibenzothiophene, naphthalene, and alkyl- (C1 to C6) naphthalene. Alkyl benzothiophenes and alkyl dibenzothiophenes of low carbon numbers were more easily transferred to short-necked clams than those of higher carbon numbers. Capillary column gas chromatography-mass chromatograms of crude oil and extract from the soft body of a short-necked clam showed the presence of organic sulfur compounds of alkyl benzothiophene (from C2-C6), dibenzothiophene, and alkyl dibenzothiophene (C1-C4). Besides sulfur components, various other compounds were contained in crude oil and short-necked clam, namely alkyl benzene (C3-C9), naphthalene, alkyl naphthalene (C1-C5), phenanthrene, alkyl phenanthrene (C1-C6), n-paraffin (C12-C21), and probably pyrene and alkyl pyrene (C1-C2). Also, mass chromatograms of crude oil and the extract from eel flesh showed the presence of alkyl benzothiophene (C1-C5), dibenzothiophene, naphthalene, and alkyl naphthalene (C1-C5). Data indicated that the organic sulfur compounds and polyaromatic compounds could serve as markers of oil pollution in shellfish and fish. for the identification of sulfur compounds by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, a new intensity matching method was devised.

Animals↗

The South Karelia Air Pollution Study: effects of low-level exposure to malodorous sulfur compounds on symptoms.

Exposure to very low levels of ambient-air malodorous sulfur compounds and their effect on eye irritation, respiratory-tract symptoms, and central nervous system symptoms in adults were assessed. A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire (response rate = 77%) was distributed during March and April 1992 to adults (n = 336) who lived in a neighborhood that contained a pulp mill and in a nonpolluted reference community (n = 380). In the exposed community, the measured annual mean concentrations of total reduced sulfur compounds and sulfur dioxide measured in two stations were 2 to 3 micrograms/m3 and 1 micrograms/m3, respectively. In the reference community, the annual mean concentration of sulfur dioxide was 1 micrograms/m3. The residents of the community near the pulp mill reported an excess of cough, respiratory infections, and headache during the previous 4 wk, as well as during the preceding 12 mo. The relative risk for headache was increased significantly in the exposed community, compared with the reference area: the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 1.83 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.06-3.15] during the previous 4 wk and 1.70 (95% CI = 1.05-2.73) during the preceding 12 mo. The relative risk for cough was also increased during the preceding 12 mo (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.01-2.64). These results indicated that adverse health effects of malodorous sulfur compounds occur at lower concentrations than reported previously.

Adolescent↗

Antimicrobial activity of sulfur compounds derived from cabbage.

Selected sulfur compounds found in cabbage and its fermentation product, sauerkraut, were tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against growth of 15 species of bacteria and 4 species of yeasts. S-Methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide, sinigrin, and dimethyl sulfide at 500 ppm were not inhibitory to any of the bacteria and yeasts tested. Dimethyl disulfide at 500 ppm retarded some, but did not prevent growth of any of the test microorganisms. Dimethyl trisulfide had an MIC to bacteria of 200 ppm and to yeast of 20 ppm. Methyl methanethiosulfinate had an MIC between 50 and 200 ppm for all bacteria, and between 6 and 10 ppm for all yeasts tested. Methyl methanethiosulfonate had an MIC between 20 and 100 ppm for bacteria and between 50 and 500 ppm for yeasts. Allyl isothiocyanate had an MIC between 50 and 500 ppm for bacteria and between 1 and 4 ppm for yeasts. Methyl methanethiosulfinate was 10 to 100 times more inhibitory against Listeria monocytogenes at pH values of 5, 6, and 7 and was much less influenced by pH than was sodium benzoate.

Bacteria↗

Thermophilic biodesulfurization of various heterocyclic sulfur compounds and crude straight-run light gas oil fraction by a newly isolated strain Mycobacterium phlei WU-0103.

Various heterocyclic sulfur compounds such as naphtho[2,1-b]thiophene (NTH) and benzo[b]thiophene (BTH) derivatives can be detected in diesel oil, in addition to dibenzothiophene (DBT) derivatives. Mycobacterium phlei WU-0103 was newly isolated as a bacterial strain capable of growing in a medium with NTH as the sulfur source at 50 degrees C. M. phlei WU-0103 could degrade various heterocyclic sulfur compounds, not only NTH and its derivatives but also DBT, BTH, and their derivatives at 45 degrees C. When M. phlei WU-0103 was cultivated with the heterocyclic sulfur compounds such as NTH, NTH 3,3-dioxide, DBT, BTH, and 4,6-dialkylDBTs as sulfur sources, monohydroxy compounds and sulfone compounds corresponding to starting heterocyclic sulfur compounds were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, suggesting the sulfur-specific desulfurization pathways for heterocyclic sulfur compounds. Moreover, total sulfur content in 12-fold-diluted crude straight-run light gas oil fraction was reduced from 1000 to 475 ppm S, with 52% reduction, by the biodesulfurization treatment at 45 degrees C with growing cells of M. phlei WU-0103. Gas chromatography analysis with a flame photometric detector revealed that most of the resolvable peaks, such as those corresponding to alkylated derivatives of NTH, DBT, and BTH, disappeared after the biodesulfurization treatment. These results indicated that M. phlei WU-0103 may have a good potential as a biocatalyst for practical biodesulfurization of diesel oil.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

In vitro effects of anionic sulfur compounds on the spectrophotometric properties of native DNA.

Several anionic sulfur compounds are recognized as efficacious pretreatments for sulfur mustard (HD) poisoning. Our intent was to see if pretreatment compounds had a direct effect on DNA, a site where HD damage is thought to occur. A modification of the method of Szinicz et al. (Arzneim.-Forsch. 1981; 31: 1,713-1,717) was used to analyze the UV/VIS spectrum (205-400 nm) (n = 6) of calf thymus DNA (10-15 x 10(3) kDa) in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of sodium thiosulfate, sodium 2-aminoethanethiosulfonate (thiotaurine), sodium metabisulfite or sodium sulfate. All compounds produced concentration-dependent absorbance decreases primarily at 212 nm, but also at 259 nm, with the exception of sodium sulfate. For example, 8.36 x 10(-4) M sodium thiosulfate reduced the absorbance of DNA at 212 nm by >60%. The kinetics of sulfur compounds on native DNA need further study. We propose that these anionic sulfur compounds interact with DNA possibly by changing the topology of this macromolecule. Effects may be due to interactions of these sulfur compounds at higher concentrations with DNA, with resulting ligand-DNA supercoiling. This process could protect against HD intoxication, which is caused in part by the uncoiling of DNA.

Animals↗

Determination of sulfur compounds in hydrotreated transformer base oil by potentiometric titration.

A method was developed to analyze the distribution of sulfur compounds in model sulfur compounds by potentiometric titration, and applied to analyze hydrotreated transformer base oil. Model thioethers were oxidized to corresponding sulfoxides by tetrabutylammonium periodate and sodium metaperiodate, respectively, and the sulfoxides were titrated by perchloric acid titrant in acetic anhydride. The contents of aliphatic thioethers and total thioethers were then determined from that of sulfoxides in solution. The method was applied to determine the organic sulfur compounds in hydrotreated transformer base oil.

Journal Article↗

Oxidative metabolism of inorganic sulfur compounds by bacteria.

The history of the elucidation of the microbiology and biochemistry of the oxidation of inorganic sulfur compounds in chemolithotrophic bacteria is briefly reviewed, and the contribution of Martinus Beijerinck to the study of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria highlighted. Recent developments in the biochemistry, enzymology and molecular biology of sulfur oxidation in obligately and facultatively lithotrophic bacteria are summarized, and the existence of at least two major pathways of thiosulfate (sulfur and sulfide) oxidation confirmed. These are identified as the 'Paracoccus sulfur oxidation' (or PSO) pathway and the 'S4intermediate' (or S4I) pathway respectively. The former occurs in organisms such as Paracoccus (Thiobacillus) versutus and P. denitrificans, and possibly in Thiobacillus novellus and Xanthobacter spp. The latter pathway is characteristic of the obligate chemolithotrophs (e.g. Thiobacillus tepidarius, T. neapolitanus, T. ferrooxidans, T. thiooxidans) and facultative species such as T. acidophilus and T. aquaesulis, all of which can produce or oxidize tetrathionate when grown on thiosulfate. The central problem, as yet incompletely resolved in all cases, is the enzymology of the conversion of sulfane-sulfur (as in the outer [S-] atom of thiosulfate [-S-SO3-]), or sulfur itself, to sulfate, and whether sulfite is involved as a free intermediate in this process in all, or only some, cases. The study of inorganic sulfur compound oxidation for energetic purposes in bacteria (i.e. chemolithotrophy and sulfur photolithotrophy) poses challenges for comparative biochemistry. It also provides evidence of convergent evolution among diverse bacterial groups to achieve the end of energy-yielding sulfur compound oxidation (to drive autotrophic growth on carbon dioxide) but using a variety of enzymological systems, which share some common features. Some new data are presented on the oxidation of 35S-thiosulfate, and on the effect of other anions (selenate, molybdate, tungstate, chromate, vanadate) on sulfur compound oxidation, including observations which relate to the roles of polythionates and elemental sulfur as intermediates.

Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria↗

Microbial cycling of volatile organic sulfur compounds.

Microbial cycling of volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSCs), especially dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and methanethiol (MT), is intensively studied because these compounds play an important role in the processes of global warming, acid precipitation, and the global sulfur cycle. VOSC concentrations in freshwater sediments are low due to the balance between the formation and degradation of these compounds. These reactions occur for the greater part at the oxic/anoxic interphase of sediment and water column. In contrast to marine ecosystems, where dimethylsulfoniopropionate is the main precursor of MT and DMS, in freshwater ecosystems, VOSCs are formed mainly by methylation of sulfide and to a lesser extent from the degradation of S-containing amino acids. One of the major routes for DMS and MT formation through sulfide methylation is anaerobic O-demethylation of methoxylated aromatic compounds. Inhibition studies have revealed that the major part of the endogenously produced MT and DMS is degraded anaerobically by methanogens. The major bacterial groups involved in formation and consumption of VOSCs are described.

Bacteria↗

The capacity of some nitro- and amino-heterocyclic sulfur compounds to induce base-pair substitutions.

The capacity of 27 heterocyclic sulfur compounds to induce base-pair substitutions was investigated with Klebsiella pneumoniae ur- pro- and Salmonella typhimurium TA100 as test organisms. Among the compounds tested, all sulfur compounds with nitro groups and some thiazoles with an amino group were mutagenic. Among the nitrothiazoles, the most potent mutagen was niridazole, followed by 2-acetamido-5-nitrothiazole, 2-bromo-5-nitrothiazole, N-(5-nitrothiazol-2-yl)benzamide, and 2-amino-5-nitrothiazole. Of the nitrothiophenes, 2-nitrothiophene was more mutagenic than 3-nitrothiophene and 2,4-dinitrothiophene. 4-Nitroisothiazole was also mutagenic. Of the aminothiazoles, 2-amino-5-bromothiazole and 2-amino-5-chlorothiazole were mutagenic to both test organisms. With 2-amino-5-(p-nitrophenylsulfonyl)thiazole, a mutagenic action was only found with Salmonella typhimurium TA100, whereas 2-aminothiazole and 2-amino-4-methylthiazole were only mutagenic with Klebsiella pneumoniae. With the other 13 compounds, no mutagenic activity was observed. Of the coccidiostatics, 2-acetamido-5-nitrothiazole was also mutagenic on Escherichia coli K12 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae D4 but non-mutagenic on Salmonella typhimurium TA1530, TA1535, TA1537 and TA98, while 2-amino-5-nitrothiazole was mutagenic on Escherichia coli K12, Salmonella typhimurium TA1530, TA1535 and TA98, and non-mutagenic on strain TA1537 and on Saccharomyces cerevisiae D4.

Escherichia coli↗