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ABSTRACT:
The study investigates the aeromycoflora at Raipur Railway Station during the summer season (March to June) from July 2007 to June 2008. Using the gravimetric method, fungal spores were collected through exposed Petri plates with PDA medium and incubated for identification and analysis. A total of 27 fungal species belonging to 14 genera and four major fungal groups-Zygomycotina, Ascomycotina, Anamorphic fungi, and Mycelia sterilia-were identified. Anamorphic fungi contributed the highest percentage of fungal colonies (351 colonies from 22 species), followed by Mycelia sterilia (20 colonies), Zygomycotina (10 colonies), and Ascomycotina (6 colonies). Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were the most dominant species throughout the study, consistent with previous reports from similar environments. Monthly variations indicated that March had the highest species diversity, while April recorded the lowest. The results emphasize the influence of meteorological factors such as temperature and humidity on fungal spore distribution. This study contributes to understanding aeromycoflora diversity in public environments and its potential health impacts.
KEYWORDS: Aeromycoflora, Railway Station, Raipur, Summer Season
INTRODUCTION:
Aerobiological study of outdoor field focused on different type of fungal species present in the environment and make it unhygienic which is directly related with health and these fungal spores are consistently present in the airborne environment, although levels vary according to climate, season, diurnal influences, vegetation and location etc. It is well known that fungi can survive in almost every region and climate. Many fungus spores can survive in difficult conditions like low temperature in winter and high temperatures in summer and can be transported by air. Meteorological factor influences the distribution of fungal species of particular area.
Fungal spores constitute a significant fraction of bioaerosol and they are often much more numerous than other airborne bio particulate matters. Among the different microorganisms in bioaerosol, fungal spores are larger ranging from 3 to 30 um in diameter with various sources. The concentration of airborne microorganisms is correlated with the presence of dust and human activities. In addition, the concentration of fungal spores in the air is linked to geographical regions, seasonal variation and distributions in one particular region can be helpful in identifying the relationship between their related domestic sensibility, diagnosis and clinical prevention of seasonal allergic diseases. Different studies indicate that fungal extracts can...