Determination of Some Fungal Spores in the Atmosphere of Iğdır and Comparison with Meteorological Factors

In this study, the density of fungal spores belonging to 10 specific taxa with allergenic effects and their relationship with meteorological factors in the atmosphere of Iğdır, Türkiye was investigated. Hirst trap device was used for atmospheric spore sampling during the study. As a result of the study, fungal spores were found more or less in the atmosphere in all months. A total of 156702 spores/m3 were detected in the atmosphere of Iğdır during the study. The densities of the 10 taxa detected in the atmosphere of Iğdır were recorded as Cladosporium (85.00%), Alternaria (6.16%), Aspergillus/Penicillium (5.91%), Fusarium (1.30%), Epicoccum (0.61%), Chaetomium (0.26%), Drechslera (0.24%), Stemphylium/ Ulocladium (0.21%), Pithomyces (0.19%) and Curvularia (0.11%), respectively. It was determined that the density of fungal spores was at a high level between August and October and that this period posed a risk for individuals with an allergic tendency to fungal spores.