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A water activity (aw) greater than what value supports the growth of Stachybotrys?

  1. 0.5

  2. 0.8

  3. 0.9

  4. 1.0

The correct answer is: 0.9

Stachybotrys, commonly known as black mold, is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments. The concept of water activity (aw) is crucial in understanding mold growth, as it measures the availability of water for microbial growth. Stachybotrys requires a relatively high level of moisture to flourish. The specific threshold for Stachybotrys growth is an aw value greater than 0.9. This means that environments with a water activity of 0.9 or higher provide sufficient moisture for the spores to germinate, grow, and proliferate. Below this threshold, just as with other molds, growth is significantly inhibited, as the available moisture is not sufficient to support metabolic processes. Understanding this concept is essential for mold remediation professionals, as it helps identify conditions that could lead to mold growth and informs preventative measures to control humidity and moisture levels in buildings.