Environ Exp Biol (2025) 23: 119–126

Comparative evaluation of bread types to identify a low-tech, accessible tool for airborne fungal monitoring

Abstract

Airborne fungal contamination is a significant concern, especially in urban and healthcare environments. Conventional monitoring methods often require specialized equipment and aseptic techniques, limiting accessibility in resource-constrained settings. This study examines the feasibility of repurposing bread as an affordable fungal air monitoring tool. Bread samples of varying types and preservative compositions were exposed to different environments to assess fungal colonization. Statistical analyses revealed that preservative-free milk bread exhibited the highest fungal diversity, making it the optimal substrate for further assessments in public locations. Notable differences in fungal abundance and diversity were observed across sites, particularly between the hospital and other locations. Findings suggest that preservative-free milk bread can serve as a feasible and accessible fungal monitoring tool, with potential applications in air quality assessment. Future studies should refine sterilization techniques and validate its reliability through comparative analyses with conventional air sampling methods.