Dimethylsulfoxide in marine and freshwaters

Abstract

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) occurs at concentrations of >10 nmol·liter −1 in the surface ocean and in rivers and lakes, and is not detected (<1 nmol·liter below the euphotic zone. Its concentration correlates well with indicators of primary productivity and with dimethylarsinate, an algal excretion product. Seven of eight pure, axenic cultures of marine planktonic algae produced significant amounts of DMSO. These findings suggest that DMSO is associated with phytoplankton activity in surface waters. DMSO occurs in rain ( ≈5 nmol·liter −1 ) from marine air masses, suggesting that DMSO, dimethylsulfide, or both participate in the transfer of sulfur between ocean and atmosphere.