A Mycofloral Survey of an Artesian Community Within the Edwards Aquifer of Central Texas

ABSTRACT

A one year study of an artesian well, associated with the Edwards Aquifer in south-central Texas, revealed substantial fungal populations. The mycoflora from this aphotic community was identified from 4 sources: groundwater samples, introduced organic baits, emerging phreatic organisms and particulate organic matter. The fungal flora included 12 genera of Hyphomycetes, 6 Coelomycetes, 1 Ascomycete, 4 Zygomycetes, and 2 Oomycetes. Presence of fungal organisms within this system, and their subsequent heterotrophic activity may provide answers as to energy conversions within this cavernous groundwater ecosystem. This fungal activity, we believe, enhances the detrital food chain which supports the diverse groundwater animal populations indigenous to this aquifer system.

Key Words:

• aquifer
• geofungi
• cavernous fungi
• fungal ecology