Bioaerosols in the Suburbs of Ostrava during a One Year Period

Abstract

SUMMARYAim: The aim of this paper is to provide information about the concentrations of airborne bioaerosols (airborne bacteria, fungi and endotoxins) in outdoor suburban environments in Ostrava, Moravian-Silesian region, Czech Republic.Methods: The methods were based on systematic bioaerosol monitoring during one calendar year, subsequent analysis of the samples and statistical processing. The regression, correlation analysis and analysis of variance for one factor and pairwise comparisons were performed on bioaerosol data to determine their dependence on season, daytime, temperature, humidity and dew point. Conclusions:The concentration of bioaerosol (bacteria, fungi and endotoxins) were found in ambient air at substantially lower levels than in an indoor environment. Although the concentrations of this bioaerosol greatly fluctuate with temperature, dew point, season and daytime, they do not represent increased health risks.

Presence and variability of culturable bioaerosols in three multi‐family apartment buildings with different ventilation systems in the Northeastern US

“…We also recognize that the indoor DP levels are significantly associated with the outdoor DP levels ( r s = 0.627; P < .001) and that outdoor DP can affect the presence of indoor bioaerosols. A positive relationship between outdoor DP and outdoor bioaerosols was reported by Jiřík et al, and the association was more pronounced for fungi compared to bacteria 89 . A study by Ryan et al reported that an increase in bioaerosol concentration indoors is likely associated with higher indoor moisture due to outdoor moisture intrusion.…”

“…While higher bioaerosol concentrations are often associated with high levels of RH and temperature, 20,35‐37,40,47,86‐88 reliance on just RH or just on temperature is insufficient because taken separately, they do not reflect the amount of moisture in the air, which is an important factor for microbial growth 19 . Hence, we used DP (°C/°F) as an independent variable as it reflects water content in the air 89‐91 . The DP data were stratified by seasons and then by the buildings for each season (Figure 4 and Table 6).…”

“…19 Hence, we used DP (°C/°F) as an independent variable as it reflects water content in the air. [89][90][91] The DP data were stratified by seasons and then by the buildings for each season (Figure 4 and Table 6). We considered the DP range between 7.2 and 12.8°C (45-55°F) to be a comfort zone where residents do not experience dry or extremely humid conditions [92][93][94][95][96] ; in winter, the DP comfort zone was lowered to the range of −1.1°C to 4.4°C…”

Indoor exposure levels of bacteria and fungi in residences, schools, and offices in China: A systematic review

“…Earlier studies have been conducted on the outdoor bioaerosols and given the exposure levels of ambient bacteria and fungi. [16][17][18] However, limited information is available on bacteria and fungi indoor exposure in China, especially in residences, offices, and schools, where people usually spend most of the time every day. 19 The geographic location and climate condition profoundly affect the concentration levels of bacteria and fungi, 20 but existing studies are usually limited to one city or one region, so a nationwide systematic review is needed.…”

“…Earlier studies have been conducted on the outdoor bioaerosols and given the exposure levels of ambient bacteria and fungi 16‐18 . However, limited information is available on bacteria and fungi indoor exposure in China, especially in residences, offices, and schools, where people usually spend most of the time every day 19 .…”