Occurrence of keratinophilic fungus Lagenidium humanum Karling in the surface waters of Podlasie.

The occurrence of keratinophilic fungus Lagenidium humanum Karling was investigated, using the bait method, in relation to the environmental conditions in the surface waters of the River Bug, Supraśl and Zwierzyniec in Podlasie in the years 1995-2000. The fungus was found to be the most common at eutrophized sites of the River Supraśl and Biała, and snake exuviae was the most frequently colonized bait. It was revealed that the occurrence of Lagenidium humanum in the water reservoirs was mostly affected by the content of biogenes, suspended solids, oxidability and temperature. Its appearance was seasonal, being most common in spring and autumn.