Antifungal agents in the environment: an overlooked scenario on the interaction between pollution and fungi-mediated processes
Antifungal agents are present in household materials, clothes and personal care products, as well as in numerous pharmaceutical and agrochemical formulations. Analytical surveys of superficial and drinking waters have shown the ubiquitous nature of many of these compounds, which reach aquatic systems via sewage treatment plants and runoff from agriculture fields, among other routes. Their widespread dissemination and extensive use has led to concerns about human health and drug resistance. However, a perhaps overlooked dimension to this problem is the effect(s) of these contaminants on non-target fungal species. In this talk, the pivotal role of fungi in ecosystems will be reviewed to alert to the environmental risks posed by the extensive and widespread use of antifungals. A particular focus will be placed on freshwaters, given the dependence and proximity of human settlements and agriculture from freshwater resources. Recent data from our team will be presented, evidencing negative ecological effects of azole fungicides in in vivo experimental systems (host-parasite system and decomposer communities), under ecologically relevant scenarios.
Host: Justyna Wolinska