Identification of microflora associated with dust falling on Karbala province and seasonal distribution

Abstract

Abstract Dust is considered one of the most important and most dangerous atmospheric pollutants due to its physical properties and its chemical and biological contents. As a result, the study started in March 2017 and ended in February 2018 to diagnose the microflora associated with dust falling in Karbala province. The results showed that 18 species of fungi belonging to ten genera are Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Absidia, Candida, Trichoderma. The highest frequency was recorded for genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium, while the highest occurrence of fungi was in the spring. The results showed the occurrence of two genera of bacteria, Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp., where the first genus dominant in most sites and seasons. Identification of microorganisms associated with dust and their temporal and spatial distribution is in great health and economic importance because of the role of these organisms to cause diseases to humans and plants.