Fungal monitoring of the indoor air of the Museo de La Plata Herbarium (LP), Argentina. A study case

MALLO, A.C; ELÍADES, L.; NITIU, D.S; SAPARRAT, M.

REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE MICOLOGIA

ASOCIACION ESPANOLA MICOLOGIA-AEM

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2016

1130-1406

Background: Biological agents such as fungal spores in the air of conservation places can attack and deteriorate scientific collections. Aims: The aim of this study was to find out information on the indoor air quality of the Herbarium of Vascular Plants of the Museo de Ciencias Naturales de La Plata (LP), Argentina, in relation to fungal propagules and inert particles.Methods: This study was made using a volumetric system and two complementary sampling methods: 1- a non-viable method for direct evaluation and 2- a viable method by culture for viable fungal propagules. Results: The non-viable method allowed finding ten spore morphotypes from related fungal sources. A total of 4401.88 spores/m3 and 32135.18 inert suspended particles/m3 were recorded. The viable method allowed finding nine fungal taxa as viable spores that belonged mostly to anamorphic forms of Ascomycota, although the pigmented yeast Rhodotorula sp. F.C. Harrison (Basidiomycota) was also found. A total count of 40500 fungal CFU/m3 air was estimated for all the sites sampled. Conclusions: Both the non-viable and viable sampling methods were necessary to monitor the bioaerosol charge in the LP Herbarium. The indoor air of this institution seems to be rationally adequate for the conservation of Vascular Plants due to the low indoor/outdoor index, low concentrations of airspora and/or lack of taxa indicator of moisture problems.