The occurrence of keratinolytic fungi in sediments of the river Tordera (Spain)

Abstract

Sediments from the inflow of the river Tordera to the Mediterranean Sea (Catalonia, Spain) were examined for keratinolytic fungi. The horse hair baiting method was used. Out of 100 Petri dishes examined, 84 were found to be positive for keratinolytic fungi. Altogether, 169 of fungal strains belonging to 13 species were observed. Aphanoascusfulvescens (teleomorph+anamorph), Chrysosporium an. Arthroderma curreyi, Ch. keratinophilum, Ch. pannicola, Trichophyton ajelloi, and Ch. tropicum prevailed in the sediments. The qualitative and quantitative composition of keratinolytic fungi depended on both the natural and water pollution factors. The main factors influencing the keratinolytic mycoflora in sediments were: water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, dissolved substances, phosphates, ammonium, nitrates, fecal bacterial contamination, BOD5, and strong summer insolation associated with low water levels.