Abstract
(1) Background: Airborne microbes are an integral part of a cave ecosystem. Cave allochtonous airborne microbiota, which occurs mainly during aerosolization from an underground river, from animals, and from visitors, is particularly pronounced in show caves. The impacts of tourists and natural river aerosolization on the cave air were estimated in large cave spaces within the Škocjan Caves; (2) Methods: Simultaneously with the measurements of atmospheric parameters, cultivable airborne bacteria were impacted, counted and identified using MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry); (3) Results: A mix of bacteria typically associated with humans and with natural habitats, including a large percentage of non-identified isolates, was found in the cave air. Few of the isolates were attributed to Risk Group 2. A strong positive correlation between tourist numbers and the rise in the concentration of airborne bacteria was indicated. Concentration of airborne bacteria rises to particularly high levels close to the underground river during periods of high discharge. A 10-times lower discharge reflected an approximately 20-times lower concentration of airborne bacteria; (4) Conclusions: Caves that are open and visited contain a diverse airborne microbiota originating from different sources. Enormous cave chambers that display relatively dynamic cave climate conditions do not normally support the enhancement of airborne bacterial concentrations.
Highlights
Some microorganisms have their own ability to move which, on the micro scale, serves to support active movement, searching for nutrients and new ecological niches [1]
A previous study on aerosol nanoparticles revealed that the Škocjan Caves are well ventilated with notable impacts both from polluted atmospheric air and from tourist presence, in summer [31]
The lowest concentration of airborne bacteria was recorded when the Tiha jama section was closed to tourists for 44 days (3 December 2013)
Summary
Some microorganisms have their own ability to move which, on the micro scale, serves to support active movement, searching for nutrients and new ecological niches [1]. For long-distance transport, microbes and other minute particles use one of three modes of dispersion: air (anemochoric), water (hydrochloric), or biological vectors (biochoric), the latter via either animal or human vectors [2]. Microbes can travel reasonably great distances and can have a global impact on ecosystems [3]. Results of laboratory experiments provide fundamental data on the transport and fate of fine particles, but in some cases it is appropriate to adopt a natural model system. More or less confined, systems is provided by caves, which are advantageous for some physiological and ecological studies because they lack various environmental. Some microorganisms are already airborne when they enter caves from the external surface, whereas others become airborne due to the splashing of water or the presence and activity of animals and humans
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