Diversity of Airborne fungal in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Airborne fungal spores constitute one of the important components of microbial population of ambient air. Aeromycological study was conducted for two years (January, 2012 to December, 2013) using Rotorod air sampler in the indoor air of certain residential dwellings in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India. During the present investigation, 15 fungal types were detected of which Trichoderma spores contributed highest concentration. Maximum concentration of fungal spores was observed in the month of August in 2012 and November in 2013 while minimum concentration was observed in the month of September in both years. Allergenically significant fungal spores responsible for serious health hazards were detected throughout the investigation period. Seasonal variation of airborne fungal spores was correlated with meteorological parameters.