An analysis of airborne fungal spore concentration in buildings in a subtropical climate

The characteristics of moulds in subtropical Central Queensland University (CQU) Rockhampton campus buildings are analysed. The fungal spore concentrations indoors and outdoors are compared and correlations between fungal spore concentrations and environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity are developed. Specific genera of moulds and total spores were identified and recovered colonies were counted from the airborne samples. The SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) software was used for nonparametric data analysis. Subtropical Central Queensland (Rockhampton) region has two main seasons: wet (December-March) and dry (May-October). Total airborne fungal spore concentrations were found highest in the dry season and lowest in the wet season and were positively correlated with relative humidity and temperature.