Microbiology and atmospheric processes: biological, physical and chemical characterization of aerosol particles

Abstract

Abstract. The interest in bioaerosols has traditionally been linked to health hazards for humans, animals and plants. However, several components of bioaerosols exhibit physical properties of great significance for cloud processes, such as ice nucleation and cloud condensation. To gain a better understanding of their influence on climate, it is therefore important to determine the composition, concentration, seasonal fluctuation, regional diversity and evolution of bioaerosols. In this paper, we will review briefly the existing techniques for detection, quantification, physical and chemical analysis of biological particles, attempting to bridge physical, chemical and biological methods for analysis of biological particles and integrate them with aerosol sampling techniques. We will also explore some emerging spectroscopy techniques for bulk and single-particle analysis that have potential for in-situ physical and chemical analysis. Lastly, we will outline open questions and further desired capabilities (e.g., in-situ, sensitive, both broad and selective, on-line, time-resolved, rapid, versatile, cost-effective techniques) required prior to comprehensive understanding of chemical and physical characterization of bioaerosols.

Free and combined amino acids in size-segregated atmospheric aerosol samples

“…Concerning atmospheric proteins, specific outdoor and indoor airborne proteins deriving from bacteria, fungi, house dust mites, multiple pollens, animal dander, molds, and fragments of animals, insects and plants are implicated in severe lung diseases, causing respiratory disorders, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to exposed individuals (Miguel et al, 1996;Burge and Rogers, 2000;Douwes et al, 2003;Adhikari et al, 2006;Georgakopoulos et al, 2009;Dockery and Pope, 1994).…”

Airborne bioaerosols and their impact on human health

“…Bioaerosols are very small airborne particles (ranging from 0.001 to 100 μm) that originate biologically from plants/animals and can contain living organisms (Georgakopoulos et al, 2009). Therefore, pathogenic and/or non-pathogenic dead or alive microorganisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, and fungi) may exist in bioaerosols (Mandal and Brandl, 2011).…”

Water adsorption and hygroscopic growth of six anemophilous pollen species: the effect of temperature

“…Emission and abundance of PBAPs are quite uncertain, and annual emission fluxes are estimated to be in the range of <10 to ~1000 Tg for total PBAPs and 47-84 Tg for pollen (Despré s et al, 2012). Pollen, and PBAPs in general, are of great concerns due to their various impacts on the Earth system (Sun and Ariya, 2006;Ariya et al, 2009;Georgakopoulos et al, 2009;Morris et al, 2011;Morris et al, 2014;Fröhlich-Nowoisky et al, 2016). For example, they can be allergenic, infectious or even toxic, affecting the health of human and other species in the ecological systems over different scales (Douwes et al, 2003;Reinmuth-Selzle et al, 2017;Shiraiwa et al, 2017).…”