The particle size distribution of airborne bacterial conglomerates is an important factor in calculating possible spread distances of the bacteria over the air. Therefore, a size-selective collection system based on an emission impinger was developed to compare the distribution of total bacteria and staphylococci in particle fractions PM2.5, PM10 and total dust in the emission of two fattening pig stables. Mean emissions of 7.2 × 104 cfu/m³ total bacteria, 6.1 × 104 cfu/m³ staphylococci and 2.8 × 106 cells/m3 measured. About 30% of total bacteria and staphylococci were found in the PM2.5 particle size fraction and about 60% in PM10. The average dust distribution was 80% PM10 and 60% PM2.5. The results show that airborne bacteria from fattening pig units mainly occur on larger particles and do not correlate with dust fractions. The found conditions should be considered in future dispersion modelling.
