Effects of global-warming and climate-changes on atmospheric fungi spores distribution

Abstract

Atmosphere is described as the gas and vapor layer surrounding the earth under the gravitational force. Atmosphere is composed of 78.50 % Nitrogen, 21.01 % Oxygen, 0.04% carbon-dioxide, water vapor and Nobel gases. In addition to ground, air and sea transportation vehicles, those noxious gases and particulates are released into atmosphere from houses and industry. In the past century, increased population, uncontrolled and inappropriate urbanization dramatically affected the content of atmosphere, which resulted in thinning of ozone layer and global warming. All these then turn into climate changes related problems. Besides chemical particulates, a variety of biological particulates are released into atmosphere as well. Major biological particulates in atmosphere are fungi spores and splits of fungi hyphae. Fungi can grow on any organic matter under humid conditions including shoe leather, which can tolerate low light and low temperature that makes them most widely distributed living group. Even though Fungi can release toxin and allergic agents cause infection to human, animals and plants. In contrast to this, the Fungi can be used as fermentation, bio-conversation, antibiotics and enzyme production, and biological control agent. Alteration in physical and chemical composition of atmosphere can affect soil chemistry and morphology. Similarly, the alteration can affect life-cycle, distribution and ecological performance of fungi as well. Recent field studies have revealed that transfer of increased chemical pollutants in atmosphere to soil and water structures poses negative effects on symbiotic mushroom species. Increased carbon-dioxide content of atmosphere trigger expansion of vegetation periods and increase in biomass, which turns into extension of vegetation period of symbiotic fungi. Besides, global warming alters vegetation period of a variety of fungi species. According to experimental and modelling studies done on filamentous fungi species (commonly seen in atmosphere), increased hyphae production, extended sporulation period and decreased spore synthesis were reported in response to increase in atmospheric temperature. In the light of current knowledge, it can be speculated that elongated exposure of fungi spores and hyphae will be faced, and even unprecedented allergen species will be identified in response to the altered atmospheric stress parameters.