Monitoring and assessment of airborne fungi in Kolkata, India, by viable and non-viable air sampling methods

摘要: The composition and variability of airborne fungal spores were studied using two complementary sampling methods in an outdoor environment Kolkata suburb for 2 years, from November 2002 to October 2004. For monitoring the total spore burden air, Burkard 7-day volumetric sampler was used, whereas Andersen two-sage viable used isolating cultivable fungi. Among 37 types identified air samples, predominant ones Cladosporium, unidentified ascospores, basidiospores, Aspergilli/Penicilli, Nigrospora, Periconia, Chaetomium, Drechslera, Alternaria, Coprinus, Ganoderma, Pithomyces, rust spores. Only six (Alternaria, Curvularia, Nigrospora) recovered common by samplers. concentration underestimated non-viable method (Burkard sampler). In general, higher count recorded winter. highest species observed early monsoon (June). Relative humidity could significantly predict seasonal periodicity maximum number fungi study (15–16 × 103 m−3 air) lower than proposed threshold limit value clinical significance, suggesting apparently no or less airborne-fungi-exposure-related health risk area. Cladosporium cladosporioides beyond January 2003 March 2004; Aspergillus fumigatus nidulans winter that might have posed considerable sensitized individuals.