ECOLOGY OF SEDIMENT MOLDS FROM A POLLUTED PALEO-CARSTIC LAKE IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Sediment samples were taken monthly during one year at five different stations at Lake Olhos d'Agua - MG. The diversity of substrates among the sampling stations was reflected by the mold community. The similar ity index confirmed the observed differences between the types of subs trate from each station, and was a good parameter based on the molds c ommunity structure of comparison between different stations. The preva lence genera were the common molds: Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. , Cladosporium spp. and non sporulating fungi. Seasonal variations wer e not observed. There were high mold densities down to 6cm in the sedi ments and progressive reduction to 20cm depth. The prevalence of non s porulating fungi at more polluted stations suggested this group of mic rorganisms as a possible indicator of organic poluttion. The indices o f ricchness and diversity responded to changes in the fungi community mainly at the more polluted stations.