Evaluation of microbiological air parameters and the fungal community involved in the potential risks of biodeterioration in a cultural heritage of humanity, Ouro Preto, Brazil.

The research of the microbiological air quality of a building considered a human historical and cultural heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization is fundamental for preventive conservation action, mainly because it identifies cultivable fungal species around the collections and suggests the appropriate treatment choice. This study investigated the air microbiological parameters inside the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church and identified the population of airborne fungi. Sixty filamentous fungal isolates were detected with ten distinct taxa. The counts of colony forming units (CFUs) performed at 10 different points were in accordance with Brazilian legislation. In addition, the presence of two fungal species was detected colonizing artworks covered with gold leaves: Cladosporium cladosporioides and Aspergillus versicolor. Air quality monitoring inside the church was in accordance with the required Brazilian legislation standards. The composition of the filamentous fungal community included the presence of human fungal pathogens; for this reason, the use of personal protective equipment was recommended during the restoration work. Thus, characterization of the air microbiological parameters helps to preserve not only the building's collection, but also the health of the faithful, conservators-restorers, tourists, and researchers.