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The influence of car traffic on airborne fungal diversity in Tianjin, China

Summary

This study examined how car traffic affects fungal spores in the air in Tianjin, China. Researchers found that during rush hours when traffic was heaviest, there were more fungal spores in the air, particularly species that cause allergies and respiratory problems like asthma. The findings suggest that reducing car traffic could help improve air quality and reduce health risks from airborne fungal exposure in cities.

Background

Airborne fungal spores are natural components of air and linked to air pollution affecting human health. Little is known about the effect of car traffic on airborne fungal communities in urban environments. Tianjin, as a major megacity in China, experiences significant vehicular traffic producing various urban pollutants.

Objective

To investigate environmental factors affecting the diversity and concentration of airborne fungi at high-traffic density junctions in Tianjin, China. The study specifically examined the relationship between fungal community structure, vehicular presence, and meteorological parameters during peak and off-peak traffic hours.

Results

A total of 244 fungal strains belonging to 78 species and 45 genera were isolated, with Ascomycota (78.69%) dominant. Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Cladosporium were the most abundant genera. Higher diversity and concentration of airborne fungi occurred during peak traffic hours, with concentrations ranging from 10 to 170 CFU/m³. Temperature and relative humidity were significantly correlated with fungal community composition.

Conclusion

Car traffic intensity correlates positively with airborne fungal diversity and concentration, particularly for allergenic and pathogenic taxa including Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. Reducing vehicular traffic and implementing emission control measures could effectively reduce airborne fungal exposure and microbial pollution in urban environments.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39247890, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2023.2300343
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