Urbanization and Anthropogenic Impacts on Fungal Diversity: Implications for Ecosystem Health and Sustainability

Adeel Mustafa; Uzma Hanif; Nayyab Munir; Mehar Un Nisa; Hafiza Mehak Munawar

Urbanization and Anthropogenic Impacts on Fungal Diversity

Implications for Ecosystem Health and Sustainability

Authors

Adeel Mustafa PhD Student, Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
Uzma Hanif Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
Nayyab Munir Student, MPhil Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
Mehar Un Nisa MPhil Student, Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
Hafiza Mehak Munawar PhD Student, Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords:

Fungi, Bioindicators, Mycoindicators, Ecosystem Health, SDGs, Mycorrhizae

Abstract

Macroscopic fungal species forming fruiting bodies are vital for the proper functioning of ecosystems due to their roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling, soil formation, and plant fungal symbiosis. Urbanization and human intervention lead to significant alterations in fungal communities in soil, water, atmosphere, and artificial ecosystems through changes in diversity, ecological functional groups, and ecosystem stability. This review presents a critical synthesis of the available information on the influence of urbanization processes and anthropogenic impacts on mushroom diversity and examines the importance of fungi as ecological bioindicators. The review was carried out via a comprehensive literature analysis focusing on urban mycology, fungal ecology, environmental monitoring, and biodiversity conservation. Key topics covered in this paper include habitat fragmentation, pollution-induced stress, climate change-related impacts, changes in fungal community structure, and the ecological value of mycoindicators of environmental conditions. In addition, special attention is paid to the relevance of fungal conservation in light of global environmental challenges such as the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The study recommends establishing a comprehensive system of monitoring the mycobiome in urban areas, developing strong conservation policies for fungi, and raising public awareness regarding the importance of fungi for urban sustainability.

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Urbanization and Anthropogenic Impacts on Fungal Diversity