Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the airborne fungal spore content in the Cathedral of Jaén (South Spain). The evaluation of the microclimatic conditions and their relationship with the presence of airborne fungal spores in different indoor areas was also tested. Airborne fungal spores were recorded during 2019 by using a volumetric sampler. The Choir was the study area with the maximum airborne fungal spore concentrations, representing 55% of the total compared to the minimum representation of 12% sampled in the Museum. Regarding the seasonality, winter records represented only 20% of the total the airborne spore monitoring. Peaks in the daily spore concentrations were mainly recorded in the first half of spring and during the middle of the summer. A total of 29 taxa were identified. Cladosporium and Aspergillus/Penicillium were the potentially biodeteriogen fungal spores that were more frequently recorded in all of the study areas. Of the total airborne fungal spores recorded in the indoor environment, 82.5% belong to biodeteriogen fungi that, under suitable conditions for their germination, could have a negative effect on the preservation of artistic-historical heritage. The installation and correct maintenance of air-conditioning systems and the aeromycological analysis in suspected places would be recommended.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Institute of Giennenses Studies for the support of the RCF/IEG 2018 project. We also thank the Bishopric of Jaén for giving the permission to make aerobiological monitoring inside the Cathedral of Jaén and provide information on the frequency of visits to this monument. Finally, we would like to thank the assistance provided by Rafael Cañada.
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Aguilera, F., Ruiz, L. & Montejo, E. Analysis of airborne fungal spore content in different indoor microenvironments in the Cathedral of Jaén (South Spain). Aerobiologia 38, 501–517 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-022-09762-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-022-09762-7