Fungal spore content of the atmosphere of the Cave of Bhaja caves, Lonavala, Maharashtra
Satnam Singh Sohal
Associate Professor Department of Botany Maharshi Dayanand College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Parel-400012 (India)
ABSTRACT
Intramural environment of caves contains variety of bio components e.g., micro-organisms, fungal mycelia & spores which may cause harm to the internal environment of caves & health of its visitors including most commonly dwelling bats in the caves. Microbial air contaminants emit secondary metabolites such as mycotoxins, endotoxins, enterotoxins & enzymes that may trigger allergy & adversely effects human health. The presence of microorganisms & visits by tourists can both result in changes to the microclimatic conditions of a cave. The visitors can also be source of organic matter, which can promote growth of microbes & fungal mycelia. The present study focused on quantitative data of fungal spores inside caves & its adverse effects. Bhaja caves were selected as site due to large no. of visitors in the caves. Total 22 fungal species were recorded inside the cave atmosphere with Rhizopus contributing the maximum fungal type. Rhizopus-17.14% Cladosporium-11.36%, Aspergillus fumigatus-5.61%, Chaetomium-5.14% & Aspegillusnidulans- 5.09% were most recorded fungal species in the caves. Most fungal colonies were reported during the months of June to Aug 2019.