Aquatic fungi and straminipilous organisms in lakes of the Augustowska Primeval Forest, Poland

Abstract

We analyzed species composition of aquatic fungi and straminipilous organisms in six lakes located within the Augustowska Primeval Forest, Poland. Mycological observations conducted in the spring and autumn seasons together with hydrochemical analysis in the 2010-2012 revealed the presence of 44 species (10 aquatic fungi and 34 straminipilous organisms). Among the taxa detected, there were some potential pathogens of economically valuable fish species and spawn, including Achlya americana, Ac. polyandra, Saprolegnia ferax and S. parasitica. Some of the species were crustacean pathogens, such as Lagenidium giganteum, Myzocytium microsporum and M. zoophthorum. There were also some common human pathogens Aspergillus niger and Candida tropicalis. Some species, such as Achlya klebsiana, Ac. prolifera, Nowakowskiella elegans, N. macrospora, Pythium debaryanum, Py. inflatum, Rhizophlyctis rosea and Saprolegnia litoralis were common phytosaprobionts. * Corresponding author e-mail: biollek@umb.edu.plThe largest number of species of fungi and straminipilous organisms was identified in Lake Sajenek (22), the fewest in Lake Białe (12).The quantitative composition and qualitative differentiation of mycobiota were influenced by the content of biogenic compounds and the amount of organic substance. The elevated levels of these parameters (Lake Sajenek) stimulated the growth of fungi and straminipilous organisms, whereas very low concentrations of biogenic compounds and a small amount of organic matter (Lake Białe) had an inhibitory effect.Statistical analysis of the results was conducted to determine the correlations between the number of fungal and straminipilous species and the hydrochemical parameters, i.e. water temperature, the level of nitrogen compounds (nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen), calcium carbohydrate, magnesium carbohydrate, water oxidizability and the content of dry residue, dissolved substances and suspension.

Aquatic Fungi and Straminipilous Organisms in the Lakes of the Ełckie District

“…It grows on human skin, hair, nails, animal fur, feathers, and hoof nails, and is potentially pathogenic to humans. Keratinophylic pathogenic fungi have been observed in various types of water basins and watercourses [5,42]. We found this fungus only on snake skin (Natrix natrix).…”

“…The content of carbon dioxide showed a moderate negative correlation (R = -0.47) at the level of significance (p = 0.046), with the number of fungus species detected in autumn. BOD 5 and COD in all the study lakes were higher in autumn than in spring. At p = 0.03, the concentration of BOD 5 exhibited a strong negative correlation (R = -0.51) with the number of fungus species isolated in autumn.…”

“…Their mycelia grow most frequently on mechanically damaged tissues of fish and amphibians, and on dead spawn. These two taxa are known to induce thrush [5,35]. They have caused mycotic infections of eggs and fish of the salmonid family in some fish farms in Hokkaido in Japan [36], and of carp (Cyprinus carpio) in hatcheries in central Iraq [37].…”

“…They frequently cause substantial losses in fishery management and reduce the populations of fish, amphibians, and crayfish [5]. Saprobic fungi may in favorable conditions acquire pathogenic properties and become a potential source of infection [6].…”