DHRITIMAN CHANDA AND LUPA MUDRA BARUAH
Abstract
Paper currency notes are continuously contaminated by poor handling and storage practices. Microorganisms live on paper currency for longer periods of time. This study was to determine the fungal contamination of Indian currency notes in Guwahati city. The study aims at the determination of pathogenic fungi found on the currency notes circulating in the city. The focus was mainly on 7 different places across Guwahati. Results revealed that the highest number of 8 fungal colonies were isolated from the Rs. 10 note and 7 fungal colonies were isolated from the Rs 200 and Rs 500 notes. Among these six denominations, 10 currency notes were more contaminated than other denominations of currencies, because 10 notes were more frequently used and circulated than other notes. Thirty-three fungal isolates were obtained, which included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Mucor sp., Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. Aspergillus niger was the predominant fungi isolated from currencies of all sources.