Seasonal diversity of biodeteriogenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic constituents of airborne mycobiota in a sacral environment

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to isolate airborne fungi and assess seasonal variations in air contamination with their particulates by determining the levels of their propagules in the nave and exonarthex of a church. We also monitored indoor microclimate as a determining factor for fungal proliferation on wall paintings, spore release, and transmission through the air. The temperature and relative humidity of the nave favoured fungal growth. A total of 33 fungi were isolated, mainly of the phylum Ascomycota, and to the lesser extent of the phyla Zygomycota and Basidiomycota. The most common were the fungi of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus (23.55 % and 20.58 %, respectively). Sørensen’s quotient of similarity (0.37) suggests moderate species overlap and constant exchange of fungal propagules between the nave and exonarthex. The autumn had the highest diversity, with 17 documented taxa, followed by the summer and the winter. The spring had only eight taxa. Quantitative analysis of the airborne mycobiota in the nave (430±84.85 to 1880±106.07 CFU m-3) and exonarthex (715±59.62 to 2295±91.92 CFU m-3) showed very high contamination throughout the year, with values exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations by most standards. Many of the fungi determined in this study are known for their biodeteriogenic, toxigenic, and allergenic properties, and are a threat not only to occasional visitors and staff, but also to valuable works of art decorating nave walls.

Evaluation of the heat changes in an ancient church because of restoration works: A microclimatic study supported by thermal images

“…Similar to the work of Edwards et al, 4 Weber and Bu¨del 8 and Pilt et al, 26 Unkovi c et al 34 studied the link between indoor microclimate of a church and biological problems (i.e. fungal proliferation on wall paintings, spore release and transmission through the air).…”

Análisis de la carga fúngica en el aire de la sala “Fragmentos de Historia a Orillas del Nilo” y del exterior del Museo de La Plata, Argentina

“…Consideramos que para poder establecer una estrategia de control ambiental adecuada debemos evaluar los diversos factores que pueden afectar la conservación y cuidado de las colecciones, con el propósito de desarrollar las soluciones apropiadas. Khan & Mohan Karuppayil 2012; Rojas et al 2012;Shabir et al 2007;Skóra et al 2015;Unković et al 2018). Este tipo de infecciones fúngicas en contextos de conservación, son causados por especies de lento crecimiento como los hongos mitospóricos xerofílicos pertenecientes a Ascomycota como Aspergillus, Paecylomyces, Penicillium y Cladosporium (Pinzari & Montanari 2011;.…”

Hemolytic potential of bioaerosol-derived Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces mould isolates

“…This makes them highly dispersible through the air where they are an important component of bioaerosol. Indoor environments, when overloaded with spores and other fungal propagules, could be regarded as serious health risk for anyone who spends a lot of time within (Unković et al, 2018). Hence, nowadays, indoor air fungi are considered one of the major culprits for sick building syndrome (SBS) which includes such symptoms as headache, dizziness, distraction, running nose, dry or sore throat, fatigue, and skin irritation (WHO, 1990).…”