Further statistical evaluation of the occurrence of keratinolytic fungi in dam sediments

Abstract

The study was to determine the concomitant effects of selected physico‐chemical and microbiological factors on the qualitative and quantitative composition of keratinolytic fungi in sediments of two dam reservoirs, ‘Przeczyce’ and ‘Plawniowice’. The stepwise forward regression analysis was used. The results were compared with those obtained by the simple linear regression analysis. On the basis of the results obtained, several groups of keratinolytic fungi were recognized. It was confirmed that Trichophyton terrestre together with Arthroderma qurreyi are associated with unpolluted and slightly polluted waters. Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Ch. pannicola, T. ajelloi and Aphanoascus spp. are characteristic for badly polluted waters. Ch. keratinophilum and Ch. pannicola depended on the quantity of micro‐organisms in water and sediments whereas T. ajelloi and Aphanoascus spp. on the input of easily degradable organic matter (BOD₅) and suspended solids to the water. A. terreus was independent on the degree of water pollution.