Fungal communities decline with urbanization—more in air than in soil

• DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0732-1
• Publication Date: 2020-08-05T13:02:40Z
• Authors: Nerea Abrego; Brittni Crosier; Panu Somervuo; Natalia Ivanova; Arusyak Abrahamyan; Amir Abdi; Karoliina Hämäläinen; Kaisa Junninen; Minna Maunula; Jenna Purhonen; Otso Ovaskainen
• Keywords: Bioindicator; Urban ecosystem; Fungal Diversity; Urban ecology

Abstract Increasing evidence suggests that degradation of biodiversity in human populated areas is a threat for the ecosystem processes are relevant well-being. Fungi megadiverse kingdom plays key role and affects How urbanization influences fungi has remained poorly understood, partially due to methodological difficulties comprehensively surveying fungi. Here we show both aerial soil fungal communities greatly poorer urban than natural areas. Strikingly, fivefold reduction DNA abundance took place air samples already at 1 km scale when crossing edge from habitats. Furthermore, air, diversity decreased with even more soil. This result counterintuitive as spores known disperse over large distances. A proportion detectable specialized habitats, whereas comprise habitat generalists. The sensitivity community anthropogenic disturbance makes this method reliable efficient bioindicator health