Integrated Analysis of Indoor Air Quality and Fungal Microbiota in Educational Heritage Buildings: Implications for Health and Sustainability

Alexandru Bogdan Ilies, Ovidiu Burtă, Sa’ad Al-Hyari Hadeel, Cristina Mircea, Maisa Al Shomali, Tudor Caciora, Mariana Ratiu, Ana Cornelia Pereș (), Thowayeb H. Hassan, Bekzot Janzakov and Liviu Lazar
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Alexandru Bogdan Ilies: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Doctoral School in Bio-Medical Science, Str. Piața 1 Decembrie nr. 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Ovidiu Burtă: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Doctoral School in Bio-Medical Science, Str. Piața 1 Decembrie nr. 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Sa’ad Al-Hyari Hadeel: Department of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Salt Faculty for Humanities Sciences, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19117, Jordan
Cristina Mircea: Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babes, Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu St., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Maisa Al Shomali: Engineering College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19117, Jordan
Tudor Caciora: Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Geography, Tourism and Sport, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Mariana Ratiu: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Ana Cornelia Pereș: Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, Magheru Street 26, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Thowayeb H. Hassan: Social Studies Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
Bekzot Janzakov: Department of Tourism, Faculty of Tourism and Management, Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Samarkand 140100, Uzbekistan
Liviu Lazar: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Doctoral School in Bio-Medical Science, Str. Piața 1 Decembrie nr. 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-26

Abstract: Indoor air quality is paramount for the health and well-being of individuals, especially in enclosed spaces like office buildings, schools, hospitals, and homes where people spend a significant amount of time. Ensuring good indoor air quality is not only essential for reducing symptoms such as headaches, eye and respiratory irritation, fatigue, and difficulty in concentration, but it is also a key component of sustainable building practices aimed at promoting long-term health and environmental balance. This study aims to explore the impact of the microclimate and fungal microbiota on the health and cognitive performance of occupants in a university classroom, which is part of a cultural heritage building. The research delves into various microclimatic parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, CO 2 , volatile organic compounds, O 2 , and particulate matters (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ), to understand their influence on the development of microbiota and the manifestation of symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome. Over the course of a year-long investigation, microbiological samples were collected, revealing the presence of 19 fungal species, with Cladosporium, Alternaria , and Aureobasidium being the most prevalent genera. These species were found to thrive in an environment characterized by inadequate ventilation, posing potential health risks to occupants, such as allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Microclimatic parameter values such as mean temperature of 22.9 °C and mean relative humidity of 38.5% indicated moderate conditions for fungal proliferation, but occasional high levels of PM 2.5 and CO 2 indicated periods of poor indoor air quality, negatively influencing the comfort and health of the occupants. The questionnaires completed by 190 students showed that 51.5% reported headaches, 44.2% frequent sneezing, and 43.7% severe fatigue, linking these symptoms to increased levels of CO 2 and PM 2.5 . The novelty of the study lies in the integrated approach to indoor air quality assessment in a heritage educational building, highlighting the need for improved ventilation and air management to enhance health and cognitive performance, while emphasizing sustainable indoor environment management that balances occupant well-being with the preservation of cultural heritage.

Keywords: environmental health and sustainability; fungal microbiota; indoor air quality; sustainable indoor environments; cognitive performance; cultural heritage building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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