THE OCCURRENCE OF KERATINOLYTIC FUNGI IN SEDIMENTS OF THE LIVER TORDERA (SPAIN)

Sediments from the inflow of the river Tordera to the Mediterranean Se a (Catalonia, Spain) were examined for keratinolytic fungi. The horse hair baiting method was used. Out of 100 Petri dishes examined, 84 wer e found to be positive for keratinolytic fungi. Altogether, 169 of fun gal strains belonging to 13 species were observed. Aphanoascus fulvesc ens (teleomorph+anamorph), Chrysosporium an. Arthroderma curreyi, Ch. keratinophilum, Ch. pannicola, Trichophyton ajelloi, and Ch. tropicum prevailed in the sediments. The qualitative and quantitative compositi on of keratinolytic fungi depended on both the natural and water pollu tion factors. The main factors influencing the keratinolytic mycoflora in sediments were: water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentrat ion, dissolved substances, phosphates, ammonium, nitrates, fecal bacte rial contamination,BOD5, and strong summer insolation associated with low water levels.