Analysis of airborne fungal spore content in different indoor microenvironments in the Cathedral of Ja én (South Spain)

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify and quantify the airborne fungal spore content in the Cathedral of Ja én (South Spain). The evaluation of the microclimatic conditions and their relationship with the presence of airborne fungal spores in different indoor areas was also tested. Airborne fungal spores were recorded during 2019 by using a volumetric sampler. The Choir was the study area with the maximu m airborne fungal spore concentrations, representing 55% of the total compared to the minimum representation of 12% sampled in the Museum. Regarding the seasonality, winter records represented only 20% of the total the airborne spore monitoring. Peaks in the daily spore concentrations were mainly re corded in the first half of spring and during the middle of the summer. A total of 29 taxa were identified.Cladosporium andAspergillus/Penicillium were the potentially biodeteriogen fungal spores that were more frequently recorded in all of the study areas. Of the total airborne fungal spores recorded in the indoor environment, 82.5% belong to biodeteriogen fungi that, under suitable conditions for their germination, could have a negative effect on the preservation of artistic-historical heritage. The installation and correct maintenance of air-conditioning systems and the aeromycological analysis in suspected places would be recommended.
Source: Aerobiologia - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research