Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Airborne Fungi in Nerja Cave, Spain

Nerja Cave, Southern Spain, was revealed as an important biodiversity reservoir from which several novel species of Aspergillus were described. We carried out aerobiological study in Cave to assess the origin airborne fungi. This quantified fungi present air ten representative halls covering three sectors comprising cave: Touristic Galleries, High and New Galleries. Microclimatological monitoring allowed us understand dynamic two seasons year (winter summer), corresponding strongest lowest cave ventilation, validate influence that transport outside may have on itself. The data show cold enters winter, confirmed by abundant presence Penicillium spores inside cave. In summer, abundance some are not detected outside, indicates a stagnation or low therefore, concentration fungal is maxima. high occurrence Cladosporium scarce support this season.