Microbiology and atmospheric processes: chemical interactions of Primary Biological Aerosols

Abstract

Abstract. This paper discusses the influence of bioaerosols on atmospheric chemistry and vice versa through microbiological and chemical properties and processes. Several studies have shown that biological matter represents a significant fraction of air particulate matter and hence affects the microstructure and water uptake of aerosol particles. Moreover, airborne micro-organisms can transform chemical constituents of the atmosphere by metabolic activity. Recent studies have emphasized the viability of bacteria and metabolic degradation of organic substances in cloud water. On the other hand, the viability and metabolic activity of airborne micro-organisms depend strongly on physical and chemical atmospheric parameters such as temperature, pressure, radiation, pH value and nutrient concentrations. In spite of recent advances, however, our knowledge of the microbiological and chemical interactions of primary biological particles in the atmosphere is rather limited. Further targeted investigations combining laboratory experiments, field measurements, and modelling studies will be required to characterize the chemical feedbacks, microbiological activities at the air/snow/water interface supplied to the atmosphere.

Chemical and Biological Components of Urban Aerosols in Africa: Current Status and Knowledge Gaps

“…However, data on microorganisms associated with PM are scarce for Africa. Understanding both components of PM is crucial, as the relative harm of each component may differ by concentration or composition and the combination of both chemical and biological components may be more harmful than their individual components [12,39]. Evidence suggests that the composition of emissions is more important than merely controlling the absolute sources [33,40].…”

Impacts of Lipase Enzyme on the Surface Properties of Marine Aerosols

“…BCL was simulated in palmitic acid bilayers at pH 6 and pH < 4 as two different classes of lipase-binding lipids based on the differences in protonation states . Comparisons between these two sets of simulations also allows us to observe differences in dynamics of BCL as a function of aging in SSA particles ,, and relate these observations back to the change in surface areas witnessed from Langmuir isotherms. BCL is more dynamic in palmitic acid bilayers at a pH of <4 versus that at a pH of 6, likely due to protein instability in lower pH environments.…”

About the Biodiversity of the Air Microbiome

“…The data obtained so far indicate that bioaerosols play an important role [ 6 , 11 , 27 , 28 ] in the physical and chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere [ 1 , 29 ]. It was shown that bioaerosols can bind to surrounding particles, thus influencing atmospheric processes by acting as condensation nuclei in clouds and initiating precipitation [ 10 , 30 , 31 ].…”