Airborne fungal spores in Tétouan (NW of Morocco), sporal calendar and meteorogical parameters

Abstract

The study aims to assess the diversity, dominance, interannual and seasonal variation of airborne fungal spores of Tétouan during 2015–2017, as well as the impact of meteorological parameters on their daily concentrations by using Spearman correlation and multivariate canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to elucidate these relationships. Additionally, the study presents a fungal spore calendar, which serves to define the timing, duration, and intensity of spore emission. Aerobiological analysis revealed a high diversity of fungal spores, with over 63 types identified. The annual spore integral (ASIn) varied between 502,910 in 2016 and 666,705 spore * d/m³ in 2015. Predominantly, spore types belonged to the groups of Ascomycota (82%, including fungi imperfecti), Basidiomycota (15%), and Zygomycota (3%). The most abundant species included Cladosporium, Ustilago, Alternaria, Leptospharia, Oidium agent spores, Aspergillaceae, Stemphylium, Torula, Arthrinium, and Pleospora, generally between spring and fall. Temperature emerged as a crucial factor in the dispersal of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Stemphylium, Torula, and Ustilago spores, whereas Ascospores, Leptosphaeria, Pleospora, and basidiospores exhibited positive and significant correlations with humidity and precipitation. The fungal spore calendar illustrated the diversity of spores (16 types), their presence throughout the year, and extended spore emission periods. However, the presence of fungal spores varied annually based on local weather factors and could potentially cause health risks to allergic individuals. Overall, the study sheds light on the complex interactions between fungal spores and meteorological parameters, providing valuable insights into airborne fungal ecology and its implications for human health.