Biological invasion in the indoor environment: the spread of Eurotium halophilicum on library materials

Abstract

Volumes from an archive of the University of Milan showed whitish-grey discolouration putatively caused by microorganisms. Microscopic and viability assays proved that discolouration from two volumes were characterized by a marked presence of viable fungi, demonstrating that they were mainly biological in nature. Fungal sequences were phylogenetically most closely related to Eurotium, Aspergillus, Candida, Penicillium, Alternaria, Phaeosphaeria, Capnodiales and Pleosporales taxa. SEM analysis showed that Eurotium halophilicum is dominant on the two infected volumes. Viable airborne fungal loads near the two volumes were higher than recommended maximum values, demonstrating that airborne fungi could represent a source of risk. The airborne microbial community sampled in two different seasons was composed by fungi belonging in the genera Aspergillus, Candida and Eurotium. The detection of E. halophilicum also in the archival air indicated a possible source of contamination. Fluctuations of thermo-hygrometric values were also observed in the archive in the different seasons. The occurrence of white efflorescence on the stored volumes most likely depended on the lack of both a dusting programme and air-conditioning, and insufficient ventilation in the repository, and, on the hygroscopic behaviour of the binding materials used in the manufacture of the volumes.