Variations in the fungal spore detection within urban environments.

Abstract

The monitoring was carried out using a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap situated at seven sampling locations within Malaga city. he pollen trap was placed in each location for two hours. Fungal spores were identified and counted, and their relative abundance was calculated. For each sampling location, the Shannon H index was calculated to determine the spore diversity. The results revealed an overall higher relative abundance of the spore types Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen.) G.A. de Vries, Cladosporium herbarum (Pers.) Link, Coprinus Pers., 1797, Aspergillaceae, Alternaria Nees, Dreschlera S.Ito, 1930 and Myxomycetes. A greater diversity was observed in the locations that combined extensive green areas and densely populated neighborhoods. One of the sampling points (i.e., Camino de San Rafael) presented a slightly higher spore diversity due to the greater heterogeneity of its surroundings, combining the presence of green areas, densely populated areas, industrial estates and wastelands. Minority spore types were identified in some locations, which have not been found in the rest of the locations, such as Arthrinium Kunze, 1817, Botrytis P.Micheli, 1729, Curvularia Boedijn, Erysiphe R.Hedw. ex DC., 1805 and Spondycladiella. Conclusions. The variation in the abundance of fungal spores in the atmosphere of Malaga may be a function of land use, which highlights the relevance of urban planning in the prevention of respiratory allergies and, thus, in promoting healthier and more sustainable urban environments. In addition, these results bring to the fore the importance of monitoring airborne spores in different parts of the cities. Future research is required to assess the impacts of microclimatic conditions on fungal spore dynamics.