Aeromycological Assessment of Diversity and Seasonal Distribution of Indoor Fungal Flora in a College Library of Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir (UT), India
Abstract
A year-long aeromycological investigation was conducted during the academic session 2024–25 to assess the diversity and seasonal distribution of indoor fungal flora in the library of Government College for Women, Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir, UT), India. Fungal sampling was performed using the settle plate method at two indoor locations—corridor and bookshelf environments. A total of 28 fungal species belonging to several genera were recorded. The dominant genera included Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Mucor and Rhizopus. Several species exhibited perennial occurrence, indicating adaptation to indoor microclimatic conditions, while others showed marked seasonal variation with peaks during summer and monsoon months. Quantitative analysis revealed higher fungal load on bookshelf surfaces compared to corridor samples, suggesting that cellulose-rich substrates, dust accumulation and reduced air circulation favour fungal persistence. Diversity index analysis showed high species richness and evenness, indicating a stable and heterogeneous indoor fungal community. Seasonal trends demonstrated increased fungal incidence during warmer and more humid periods, reflecting the influence of environmental factors on fungal growth and sporulation. The frequent detection of allergenic and opportunistic species such as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. highlights potential health risks and biodeterioration concerns. The findings emphasize the importance of regular aerobiological monitoring, improved ventilation and humidity control to ensure healthy indoor air quality and preservation of library materials.
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Introduction
Indoor air quality is an important determinant of human health and preservation of materials in enclosed environments. Among indoor bioaerosols, filamentous fungi constitute a major component due to their allergenic, toxigenic and opportunistic pathogenic properties. Fungal growth indoors is favoured by moisture availability, organic substrates and inadequate ventilation. Exposure to airborne fungal spores has been associated with allergic rhinitis, asthma exacerbation, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other respiratory disorders. International health agencies have identified dampness and mould as significant contributors to indoor air quality problems (WHO, 2009, 2023; CDC, 2020).
Libraries represent unique indoor ecosystems because of the abundance of cellulose-based materials such as paper, cardboard, adhesives and cloth bindings. Accumulation of dust, fluctuating temperature, elevated relative humidity and limited air circulation further create favourable microclimatic conditions for fungal proliferation. These factors promote both suspension of airborne spores and active colonization of books and shelves, leading to biodeterioration and deterioration of documentary heritage. Previous aeromycological investigations in libraries and archives have frequently reported dominance of genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor and Rhizopus (Pinzari et al., 2006; Micheluz et al., 2015; Shrikhandia and Sumbali, 2024).
Assessment of indoor fungal flora in library environments is essential for two primary reasons: protection of public health and preservation of library collections. Earlier studies have demonstrated that fungal concentrations and species composition vary according to season, ventilation patterns, human activity and maintenance practices (NIOSH, 1985; Wlazło et al., 2008; Cyprowski et al., 2023; Ayesha and Bhajbhuje, 2025). Seasonal variation is particularly important in temperate and humid regions, where temperature and relative humidity significantly influence sporulation and airborne dispersal. The Government College for Women, Udhampur, serves as an important academic institution in Jammu & Kashmir (UT). However, systematic aeromycological data regarding its library environment are lacking. Baseline information on airborne and surface-associated fungal diversity is necessary to evaluate potential health risks and biodeterioration hazards under local climatic conditions.
Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the diversity and seasonal distribution of indoor fungal flora in the library of Government College for Women, Udhampur. The objectives were to identify predominant fungal taxa, quantify their occurrence across different indoor locations and seasons, and assess their implications for indoor air quality and preservation of library materials.
Conclusion
The present investigation documented a diverse and persistent indoor fungal community comprising 28 species in the library of Government College for Women, Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir, UT), over a one-year period. The continuous detection of fungal taxa throughout the study indicates strong adaptation to indoor microclimatic conditions and the sustained availability of organic substrates.
Fungal load was markedly higher on bookshelves than in corridor areas, highlighting the role of cellulose-rich materials, dust accumulation, limited air circulation, and reduced disturbance in promoting fungal colonization. Dominant genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Mucor, and Rhizopus demonstrated ecological adaptability and consistent indoor persistence.
Seasonal variation was evident, with peak fungal abundance during summer and monsoon months and comparatively lower occurrence during winter, underscoring the influence of temperature and relative humidity on fungal growth and dispersal. Elevated Shannon–Wiener and Simpson's diversity index values at both sampling sites reflect a stable and heterogeneous fungal community structure. The frequent occurrence of allergenic and potentially mycotoxigenic fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. parasiticus, Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp., indicates possible implications for indoor air quality, occupational health, and biodeterioration of library materials. Regular aeromycological monitoring, improved ventilation, humidity regulation, and systematic housekeeping practices are therefore recommended to maintain a healthy indoor environment and protect valuable academic resources.
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