Fungal Diversity Assessment: Aeromycoflora of Indoor And Outdoor Environments at Central University of Kashmir Life Sciences Campus

Background and Objective: Airborne fungal spores significantly impact environmental and human health, acting as allergens and potential sources of mycotoxins. However, there is a paucity of systematic studies quantifying fungal diversity in indoor and outdoor environments within institutional settings. This study evaluates the diversity and abundance of fungal species in indoor and outdoor environments at the Life Sciences Campus, Central University of Kashmir, Nunar, Jammu and Kashmir using standardized sampling and analytical techniques. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted from March to September, 2022, investigated airborne fungal diversity at 15 locations on the Life Sciences Campus, using the gravity plate method with 65 Petri plates. ANOVA was applied to assess significant differences in fungal abundance and diversity between indoor and outdoor sites, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: Predominance of Alternaria alternata, constituting 21.90% of the fungal colonies, followed closely by Aspergillusspp. (12.39%) andMucor spp. (12.37%). Other notable fungi included Saccharomyces spp., Penicillium spp. and Rhizopusspp. The analysis also revealed that 6.62% of the colonies were sterile hyphae andBlastomyces spp. was the least common. Additionally, dust mites were observed in older cultures, emphasizing the interconnectedness of fungi, dust mites and their environments. Conclusion: This study provides crucial insights into the fungal ecology of the campus, contributing to a better understanding of airborne fungal communities and their potential impacts.