Potential of Bioaerosol Emission in The Green House Laboratory and Research Laboratory at Environmental Engineering Department

In several countries in the world 24% of total atmospheric particles and 5% - 10% are suspended atmospheric particles are bioaerosols. In Indonesia, bioaerosol studies are mostly carried out in hospitals and school laboratories. The purpose of this research is to calculate potential bioaerosol emission in the research laboratory of the environmental engineering department. The method used is based on literature survey and observation of lab activities during waste composting. Based on our calculation, the bioaerosol flux emission from green house lab was 4.6 – 6.2 x103 cfu/s for Aspergillus Fumigatus, while for research lab it was 12.45 – 16.65 x 103 cfu/s. The emission flux of mesophilic actinomycetes was even bigger. The distribution of bioaerosol at GreenHouse lab declined at 3 m away, while for research lab it declined about 5 m away from the sources. Based on this study, schedule arrangement for the students in these lab is important to minimize bioaerosol exposure.

Evaluation of Bioaerosol Bacterial Components of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Through an Integrate Approach and In Vivo Assessment

Wastewater carries different pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms that can be dispersed in the surrounding environment. Workers who frequent sewage treatment plants can therefore be exposed to aerosols that contain a high concentration of potentially dangerous biological agents, or they can come into direct contact with contaminated material. This can lead to allergies, infections and occupational health-associated diseases. A characterization of biological risk assessment of bioaerosol exposure is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of an interdisciplinary method that combines chemical and biological approaches for the analysis of a bioaerosol derived from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) situated in Italy. Sampled filters were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS spectroscopy that searched for different chemical biomarkers of airborne microorganisms. The analytical quantification was compared to the biological cultural method that revealed an underrated microbial concentration. Furthermore, next generation sequencing analysis was used also to identify the uncultivable species that were not detected by the culture dependent-method. Moreover, the simple animal model Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate the pathogenicity of two isolates—Acinetobacter iwoffii and Micrococcus luteus—that showed multidrug-resistance. This work represents a starting point for the development of a multidisciplinary approach for the validation of bioaerosol exposure on WWTP workplaces.

Monitoring of Air Microbial Contaminations in Different Bioenergy Facilities Using Cultural and Biomolecular Methods

Bioaerosol exposure linked to the bioenergy production from waste and its effects on human health in occupational and residential environments has rising interest nowadays. The health risk associated with the exposure includes mainly infective diseases, allergies, chronic bronchitis, and obstructive pulmonary disease. A risk assessment’s critical point is the bioaerosol quality and quantity characterization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of different methods for the analysis of bioaerosol sampled in bioenergy plants. This study involved six Italian plants for the treatment of biomasses and energy production. Bioaerosol cultural evaluation was performed, by Surface Air System (SAS) sampler, and DNA was extracted from PM0.49 samples and Low Melting Agar plates. qRT-PCR followed by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) and band sequencings were performed. The cultural method is able to detect less than 15% of what is evaluable with bio-molecular methods. A low sample alfa-diversity and a high beta-biodiversity in relation to feedstock and process were observed. Sequencing showed microorganisms with a hygienic-sanitary relevance such as Arcobacter, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Bacillus. Integrated cultural and biomolecular methods can be more exhaustive to evaluate bioaerosol’s exposure in the occupational environment.

Biological Composition of Respirable Particulate Matter in an Industrial Vicinity in South Africa

There is a growing concern that exposure to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) with biological composition (bioaerosols) may play a key role in the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in humans. This study determined the bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 and their inhalation health risks in an industrial vicinity in South Africa. Samples of PM2.5 collected on a 47-mm glass fiber filter during winter and summer months were analysed for bacterial and fungal content using standard methods. The health risks from inhalation of bioaerosols were done by estimating the age-specific dose rate. The concentration of bacteria (168–378 CFU/m3) was higher than fungi (58–155 CFU/m3). Bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 were lower in winter than in the summer season. Bacteria identified in summer were similar to those identified in winter: Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Flavobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Moreover, the fungal floras identified include Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. Children inhaled a higher dose of bacterial and fungal aerosols than adults. Bacteria and fungi are part of the bioaerosol components of PM2.5. Bioaerosol exposure may present additional health risks for children.