An analysis of fungal propagules transported to the Henryk Arctowski Station

Abstract

During three austral summer seasons, dust and soil from clothes, boots and equip− ment of members of scientific expeditions and tourists visiting the Polish Antarctic Station Henryk Arctowski were collected and analysed for the presence of fungal propagules. Of a to− tal of 60 samples, 554 colonies of fungi belonging to 19 genera were identified. Colonies of the genus Cladosporium, Penicillium and non−sporulating fungus (Mycelia sterilia) domi− nated in the examined samples. The microbiological assessment of air for the presence of fungi was also conducted at two points in the station building and two others outside the sta− tion. A total of 175 fungal colonies belonging to six genera were isolated. Colonies of the ge− nus Penicillium were the commonest in the air samples. The potential epidemiological conse− quences for indigenous species as a result of unintentional transport of fungal propagules to theAntarctic biome are discussed in the light of rapid climate change in some parts of theAnt− arctic and adaptation of fungi to extreme conditions.