Bioaerosol

About: Bioaerosol is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1347 publications have been published within this topic receiving 34791 citations.

Indoor exposure to bioaerosol particles: levels and implications for inhalation dose rates in schoolchildren

Abstract: Children spend most of their time inside schools and bioaerosol particles are part of their everyday environment. Although bioaerosol particles are considered to be a potential risk factor for various health concerns, information concerning the indoor exposures and inhalation doses is still limited. This study aimed (i) to quantify bacterial and fungal particles levels in indoor and outdoor air of public primary schools, (ii) to assess the influence of ambient air on bacteria and fungi presence indoors, and (iii) to estimate the inhalation dose rates for respective children (8–10 years old) in comparison with adult staff. Air samples were collected in 20 primary schools in a total of 71 classrooms during heating season with a microbiological air sampler. The results showed that indoor bacterial and fungal concentrations were higher than outdoor levels (p < 0.05), which could be explained by differences in density of occupation, occupant’s activities, and inadequate ventilation. CO2 levels were significantly correlated with indoor bacteria concentrations. Moreover, mean indoor bacteria concentrations were above national limit values in all the evaluated Porto primary schools, from two to nine times higher. Regarding fungi concentrations, indoor levels were above the reference value in 75% of the schools and overall indoor levels registered a 3-fold increase compared with outdoor values. Children had two times higher inhalation dose rates to bioaerosol particles when compared to adult individuals. Thus, due to their susceptibility, special attention should be given to educational settings in order to guarantee the children healthy development.

Short-term dynamic patterns of bioaerosol generation and displacement in an indoor environment

Abstract: The short-term dynamics and distribution of airborne biological and total particles have been assessed in a large university hallway by particle counting using laser particle counters and impaction air samplers. Particle numbers of four different size ranges were determined every 2 min over several hours. Bioaerosols (culturable bacteria and fungi determined as colony-forming units) were directly collected every 5 min on Petri dishes containing the appropriate growth medium. Results clearly show distinct short-term dynamics of particulate aerosols, of both biological and non-biological origin. These reproducible periodic patterns are closely related to periods when lectures are held in lecture rooms and the intermissions in between when students are present in the hallway. Peaks of airborne culturable bacteria were observed with a periodicity of 1 h. Bioaerosol concentrations follow synchronously the variation in the total number of particles. These highly reproducible temporal dynamics should be considered when monitoring indoor environments to determine air quality.

Concentration of Bioaerosols in Composting Plants Using Different Quantification Methods

Abstract: Cladosporium spp.) and mites was performed. Concentrations of β-glucans as well as endotoxin and pyrogenic activities were also measured. The number of colony forming units (cfu) was determined by cultivation of moulds and actinomycetes in 36 additional dust samples. Results: With the exception of particle numbers, concentrations of all determined parameters showed significant correlations (P < 0.0001; r Spearman : 0.40–0.80), indicating a close association between these exposure markers. Colony numbers of mesophilic moulds and actinomycetes correlated also signifi cantly with data of cultivation-independent methods. Exposure levels showed generally large variations. However, all parameters were measured highest in dusty working areas like next to the shredder and during processing with the exception of Cladosporium antigens that were found in the highest concentrations in the delivery area. The lowest concentrations of dust, particles, antigens, and pyrogenic activity were determined in wheel loader cabins (WLCs), which were equipped with an air filtration system. Conclusion: It was possible to assess the microbial load of air in composting plants with different quantification methods. Since allergic and toxic reactions may be also caused by nonliving microorganisms,

Assessment of Indoor Bioaerosols in Public Spaces by Real-Time Measured Airborne Particles

Abstract: Humans spend a considerable amount of time indoors, and indoor biological airborne pollutants may harm human health. Active bioaerosol samplers and conventional microbiological culture methods, which are widely applied in studies of airborne microbial contamination, are not only unable to perform continuous monitoring over long periods, but are also time-consuming and expensive. In order to rapid assess indoor airborne microbial contamination, multiple linear regression models were constructed by statistically analyzing the measured bioaerosol samples and the real-time measured mass and number concentrations of airborne particles using a direct reading instrument from 43 air-conditioned public spaces. There were significant positive correlations of indoor airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations with indoor size-segregated particle mass and number concentrations. The predictive power of the model was sufficient for predicting indoor bacterial concentrations from the indoor and outdoor size-segregated particle number concentrations as independent variables. Particle number concentration outperforms particle mass concentration as an independent variable in predicting indoor bioaerosol concentrations. The prediction model for indoor bacterial bioaerosol levels constructed in this study could facilitate a rapid assessment of potential airborne bacterial contamination via the simple and feasible measurement of particle number concentration, thus helping to improve the management and maintenance of indoor air quality.