Volatile and odorous compounds from the bryozoan Biflustra perfragilis

Volatile components of the malodorous bryozoan <i>Biflustra perfragilis</i> were investigated by GC-MS and the foul smell established as being due to dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl sulphide and methanethiol. Methanol, dichloromethane and chloromethane were also shown to be present. The relative proportions of these compounds were found to vary at different collection sites and over the three-day period of analysis. The probable source of these compounds is also discussed.