Spacio-Temporal Distribution and Tourist Impact on Airborne Bacteria in a Cave (Škocjan Caves, Slovenia)

A strong positive correlation exists between tourist numbers and the concentration of airborne bacteria in the Škocjan Caves, with bacterial levels rising significantly during periods of high river discharge. The study, conducted using MALDI-TOF MS to identify cultivable airborne bacteria, found a mix of human-associated and natural habitat bacteria, including some from Risk Group 2. Despite dynamic cave climate conditions, large chambers did not show enhanced bacterial concentrations. This research highlights the impact of tourism on cave microbiota and underscores the complexity of microbial dynamics in visited caves.

Mulec, J., Oarga-Mulec, A., Šturm, S., Tomazin, R., & Matos, T. (2017). Spacio-Temporal Distribution and Tourist Impact on Airborne Bacteria in a Cave (Škocjan Caves, Slovenia). Diversity, 9(3), 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/d9030028