Life in the Hidden Atmosphere: Culturing and Genomic Perspectives on Aerobiology in Gypsum Caves

Aerobiology, the study of airborne microorganisms and particles, provides a crucial lens through which subterranean ecosystems can be understood. In gypsum caves, unique low-energy environments with potent microclimatic gradients, the airborne microbiome reflects a dynamic interaction between geology, ventilation, and biological processes. Traditional culture-dependent studies have characterized primarily spore-forming and resilient taxa, whereas next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies now uncover the enormous hidden diversity of both culturable and non-culturable microorganisms suspended in cave air. This review synthesizes ongoing knowledge on aerobiology and environmental zonation in gypsum caves, with emphasis on the comparative performance of culturing and NGS approaches. It examines methodological advances, ecological implications, and the role of bioclimatic parameters, temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, and CH₄ concentrations in shaping microbial dispersion and persistence. Integrating molecular biology with microclimate monitoring not only broadens the understanding of cave aerobiomes but also informs conservation strategies for fragile subterranean habitats increasingly affected by tourism and climate change.