Trophic Strategies of Micromycete Fungi in the Context of Ecological Diversity and Their Pathogenic and Toxic Effects on Human Health
2025
Gumru Balakhanova
The aim of this study is to investigate the species diversity of micromycete fungi collected from different ecological zones of Baku city and their potential impacts on human health. Micromycetes are fungal species that play various trophic roles in ecosystems and can also pose threats to human health. For this purpose, samples were collected from the Darnagul reserve, the Seaside National Park, the area near the Taza Pir Mosque, and the Mashtagha settlement. According to the results of the study, significant differences were observed in the species diversity of micromycete fungi across different parts of the city. In areas with high anthropogenic influence (Seaside National Park, area near the Taza Pir Mosque), a greater number of micromycete species were identified — 12 and 9 species respectively. In the Darnagul reserve, where human impact is lower, 6 species of micromycetes were recorded. Toxicological analyses revealed that some micromycete species produce toxins such as aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and fumonisins, which can pose serious risks to human health. Particularly, species belonging to the genera Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium, and Fusarium showed strong toxic effects, raising major concerns. The results of the study demonstrate that the role and potential threats of micromycetes in ecosystems are crucial in terms of both biodiversity conservation and ensuring human health safety. These findings provide a solid foundation for assessing the toxic effects of micromycetes in urban environments and implementing appropriate safety measures.
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