Distribution Characteristics and Factors Influencing Culturable Bacterial Bioaerosols on a Dairy Farm in Northern China

Abstract

Studying the distribution characteristics of bioaerosols and their interaction with the environment is crucial for dairy farms. The distribution of aerosols differs in dairy farming from farming of other livestock, and their sensitivity to environmental factors varies across sites. Field experiments were conducted in an intensive commercial dairy farm in Northern China to investigate the horizontal and vertical distribution of culturable bacterial bioaerosols. Concentration levels and particle size ranges were analyzed, and the impact of multiple environmental factors on culturable bacterial bioaerosols was assessed. Significant variations in culturable bacterial bioaerosol concentrations were observed across eight functional zones, ranging from 1.14 × 103 to 7.35 × 103 CFU/m3. Culturable bacterial bioaerosols exhibited consistent carrier distribution patterns across six different size ranges. Vertical analysis revealed significantly higher culturable bacterial bioaerosol concentrations at a 1 m height compared to 4 m (p < 0.05), while similar size distributions were observed at different heights of the same sampling location. The top three environmental factors influencing culturable bacterial bioaerosol concentrations were PM100 concentration, wind direction, and air temperature. This study provides insights into the distribution characteristics of culturable bacterial bioaerosols on dairy farms and their response to environmental factors. The findings serve as a reference for evaluating bioaerosol emissions and establishing daily disinfection management measures on dairy farms.