The Distribution of Microscopic Fungi along Moscow Roads

The distribution of microscopic fungi in soils and surface air along some Moscow roads was studied from 1994 through 2000 at several distances (0, 5, 10, and 20 m) from the roads. Soil fungal complexes in roadside zones with different levels of pollution from automobile engines were found to differ in their composition, species structure, and biomorphology. Relatively far from the roads, the content of fungal mycelium diminished, while that of fungal spores increased. Close to the roads, fungal complexes in soil and surface air were dominated by dark melanin-containing fungi. The microscopic fungal complexes of soil and surface air along the roadsides were similar but differed in the relative abundance of some species.