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Journals / International Journal of Chemistry and Technology / 2025 / Volume: 9 Issue: 2

Fungal Contamination in Thermal Springs: A Comparative Study Between Pool Water and Air Samples

Derya Berikten(KÜTAHYA SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-8672-4813
Meliha Koldemir Gündüz(KUTAHYA HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY)0000-0003-0969-6377
Pages
—
Publication Date
2025-12-29
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These findings demonstrate that thermal pools may serve as reservoirs for opportunistic fungi, underscoring the need for molecular surveys and stricter monitoring to minimize public health risks.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Thermal springs have been used for therapeutic purposes in Türkiye for centuries and remain popular for both health-related treatments and recreational activities.
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Key Findings & Data:In this study, 24 water and air samples from eight indoor spa pools were examined, yielding 205 fungal isolates.
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Conclusion & Impact:These findings demonstrate that thermal pools may serve as reservoirs for opportunistic fungi, underscoring the need for molecular surveys and stricter monitoring to minimize public health risks.
🔬Design:Lab & Field Experiment
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Aspergillus · thermal waters · indoor air

Abstract

Thermal springs have been used for therapeutic purposes in Türkiye for centuries and remain popular for both health-related treatments and recreational activities. However, the increasing use of thermal pools without strict hygiene measures has been associated with rising incidences of infections such as folliculitis, dermatitis, otitis, conjunctivitis, and respiratory, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal infections. In this study, 24 water and air samples from eight indoor spa pools were examined, yielding 205 fungal isolates. Microfungal counts ranged from 5 to 1,228 cfu/m³ in air and 2,000 to 228,000 cfu/m³ in water. The isolates belonged to genera including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Mucor, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Pythium, and others. The fungal community was dominated by Penicillium (35%) and Aspergillus (29%). Among the 69 Aspergillus isolates, medically important species such as A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger, and A. flavus were detected. These findings demonstrate that thermal pools may serve as reservoirs for opportunistic fungi, underscoring the need for molecular surveys and stricter monitoring to minimize public health risks.

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Cite This Article

Berikten, D., Gündüz, M. K. (2025). Fungal Contamination in Thermal Springs: A Comparative Study Between Pool Water and Air Samples. International Journal of Chemistry and Technology, Volume: 9 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.32571/ijct.1780205

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