Sites of Uptake of Geosmin, a Cause of Earthy-Flavor, in Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract

To identify absorption sites of earthy-flavor in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), we placed the geosmin-producing algae Symploca muscorum on four locations. We showed that the most rapid absorption occurred in the gills (6 min), followed by the skin (1.5 h), small intestine (4 h), and stomach (7 h). In trout farming, if ingestion of algae is reduced, then the most significant route of uptake of geosmin will be through the gills and skin.