Survivability of Isolated Indoor Fungi after Treatment with Antifungal Agents

Abstract

Microbial growth in indoor environments can creates health problems, especially to people who have asthmatic issue. Three antifungal agents were tested against isolated indoor fungal available in campus’s building. The fungal that has been collected was Aspergillus niger and the selected antifungal agents used are calcium benzoate, potassium sorbate and zinc salicylate. The fungal has been isolated on the MEA-agar and treated by the antifungal agents. All samples are stored inside the incubator with temperature 25ºC and relative humidity of 90%. The diameter, ASTM percentage growth, ASTM scales rating and percentage of reduction of indoor fungal has been measured. This study proved that the most efficient antifungal agent is zinc salicylate. It scores the least diameter growth (4.4 cm), lowest ASTM percentage growth (45%), low ASTM scale rating (3), and highest percentage reduction (44.26%) compared to others antifungal agents. It can be concluded that zinc salicylate is the best antifungal agent between calcium benzoate and potassium sorbate that prohibit the growth of indoor fungi. Nevertheless, the concentrations of the antifungal agent use recommended to be optimized for a long lasting prevention of indoor fungal.