Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between gas formation and microbial community activity. The experiments included inorganic reactions in man-made matter: the formation of carbon disulfide CS2 (with preliminary sterilization) and biotic interactions with the formation of gases such as carbon dioxide CO2, dimethyl sulfide C2H6S, and dimethyl sulfoxide C2H6SO. Volatile organic compounds detected above the Ursky waste heaps contain nitrogen, selenium, and sulfur. Their variable valence makes these elements sensitive indicators of bioreduction processes.
