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Vishwakarma YK, Mayank, Ram K, Gogoi MM, Banerjee T, Singh RS. Bioaerosol emissions from wastewater treatment process at urban environment and potential health impacts. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 361:121202. [PMID: 38805959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The inlet of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contains pathogenic microorganisms which during aeration and by mechanical mixing through wind typically aerosolized microbes into ambient air. Bioaerosol emission and its characterization (bacterial and fungal) was investigated considering low-flow and high-flow inlet of wastewater treatment plant. Generation of bioaerosols was found influenced by prevailing seasons while both during summer and winter, fungal concentration (winter: 1406 ± 517; summer: 1743 ± 271 CFU/m3) was higher compared to bacterial concentration (winter: 1077 ± 460; summer: 1415 ± 588 CFU/m3). Bioaerosols produced from WWTPs were predominately in the size range of 2.1-4.7 μm while fraction of fungal bioaerosols were also in ultra-fine range (0.65 μm). Bioaerosols reaching to the air from WWTPs varied seasonally and was calculated by aerosolization ratio. During summer, aerosolization of the bioaerosols was nearly 6 times higher than winter. To constitute potential health effects from the exposure to these bioaerosols, biological characterization, antibiotics resistance and the health survey of the nearby area were also performed. The biological characterization of the bioaerosols samples were done through metagenomic approach using 16s and ITS metagenomic sequencing. Presence of 167 genus of bacteria and 41 genus of fungi has been found. Out of this, bacillus (73%), curtobacterium (21%), pseudomonas, Exiguo bacterium, Acinetobacter bacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Prevotella were the dominant genus (top 10) of bacteria. In case of fungi, xylariales (49%), Hypocreales (19%), Coperinopsis (9%), Alternaria (8%), Fusarium (6%), Biopolaris, Epicoccum, Pleosporaceae, Cladosporium and Nectriaceae were dominant. Antibiotics like, Azithromycin and cefixime were tested on the most dominant bacillus showed resistance on higher concentration of cefixime and lower concentration of azithromycin. Population-based health survey in WWTP nearby areas (50-150 m periphery) found several types of diseases/symptoms including respiratory problem, skin rash/irritation, change in smell and taste, eye irritation within the resident population and workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayank
- Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - Kirpa Ram
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development (IESD), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - Mukunda M Gogoi
- Space Physics Laboratory, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Trivandrum, 695022, India.
| | - Tirthankar Banerjee
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development (IESD), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - R S Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Varanasi, 221005, India.
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2
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Zang N, Tian H, Kang X, Liu J. Bioaerosolization behaviour of potential pathogenic microorganisms from wastewater treatment plants: Occurrence profile, social function and health risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171300. [PMID: 38423328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the leading sources of potential pathogenic bioaerosol that cause non-negligible health risks. However, bioaerosolization behaviour of potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) migrating from wastewater to the atmosphere is still unclear. This study investigated the occurrence profile of PPMs in wastewater, sludge and bioaerosol, then analyzed bioaerosolization level, impact factors and social function. Staphylococcus aureus was selected as the target due to its pathogenicity, and the health risks of workers, engineers and researchers wearing various masks (N90, N95 and medical masks) were evaluated. The results showed that there were 38 and 64 PPMs in bioaerosol from plant A and B. Streptomyces in plant A (average bioaerosolization index, BI= 237.71) and Acinetobacter in plant B (average BI = 505.88) were more likely to migrate from wastewater to the atmosphere forming bioaerosol. Environmental factors (relative humidity, wind speed and temperature) affected both BI and microbial species of PPMs in different ways. PPMs related to fermentation, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, and chemoheterotrophy are the most abundant. Meanwhile microbial networks from plants A and B showed that PPMs were well-connected. Emission level of Staphylococcus aureus bioaerosol can reach 980 ± 309.19 CFU/m3 in plant A and 715.55 ± 44.17 CFU/m3 in plant B. For three exposure population, disease burden (DB) and annual probability infection (Py) of Staphylococcus aureus bioaerosol in two plants were both higher than the U.S.EPA benchmark (10-4 DALYs pppy). All three masks (N90,N95 and medical masks) can decrease Py and DB by at least one order of magnitude. This study illustrated the bioaerosolization behaviour of PPMs comprehensively, which provides a scientific basis for exposure risk prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Zang
- Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing 100044, China; Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hongyu Tian
- Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing 100044, China; School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xinyue Kang
- Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing 100044, China; Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing 100044, China; Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China.
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3
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Zhao S, Liu Y, Chang J, Wang J, Peng H, Cui B, Bai J, Wang Y, Hua L. Bioaerosols in deodorization covers of wastewater treatment plants: Emission characteristics and health risks. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141552. [PMID: 38408571 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the main source of bioaerosol emissions. The cover of deodorization within WWTPs serves not only to manage odors but also to limit the dispersion of bioaerosols. This study investigated the emission characteristics and exposure risks of bioaerosols inside deodorization covers from a WWTP in Northern China. The results revealed that the concentration of bacteria in bioaerosols ranged from 96 ± 8 to 706 ± 45 CFU/m3, with the highest concentration observed in the biochemical reaction tank. The predominant bacterial genera in bioaerosols within the odor control covers were Cetobacterium, Romboutsia, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Tubricibacter, while the dominant fungal genera included Aspergillus, Alternaria, Fusarium, and Cladosporium. The main water-soluble ions in the air were NH4+, Ca2+, SO42-, and Cl-. SO42- was found to promote the survival of Cetobacterium, Brevibacterium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Filobasidium, while Cl- exhibited inhibitory effects on most microorganisms in bioaerosols. Source tracker analysis indicated that wastewater was the primary source of bioaerosols in the biochemical reaction tank. The non-carcinogenic risk associated with bioaerosols within deodorization covers was less than 1 (2.34 × 10-9 to 3.08 × 10-2). FunGuild fungal functional prediction suggested that the abundance of animal pathogens was highest in the bioaerosols from the anaerobic sedimentation tank. BugBase phenotypic prediction showed that the abundance of potential pathogens in secondary sedimentation tank bioaerosols was the highest. This study effectively revealed the characteristics and sources of bioaerosols in the sewage and sludge treatment area under the deodorization cover, which provided a theoretical basis for enhancing the management and control of bioaerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhao
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Jiang Chang
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Hao Peng
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Baocong Cui
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Jin Bai
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Yanjie Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Linlin Hua
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China; Advanced Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450014, PR China.
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4
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Yang K, Yang L, Zhang S, Ba Y, Zhou G. The bioaerosols generated from the sludge treatment process: Bacterial and fungal variation characteristics, source tracking, and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166193. [PMID: 37567309 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols generated from sludge treatment processes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) may spread infectious diseases. This study investigated the generation characteristics, source, and associated risks of bioaerosols produced during sludge treatment processes. The results showed that the concentration range of total suspended particles was 49 ± 3 to 354 ± 10 μg/m3, and the primary water-soluble ions in bioaerosols were NH4+, SO42- and Cl-. The bacterial concentration in bioaerosols was 50 ± 5 to 1296 ± 261 CFU/m3, with the highest concentration in the biochemical reaction tank. The dominant bacteria in bioaerosols included Bacteroides, Cetobacterium, Romboutsia, Lactobacillus and Turicibacter, while the dominant fungi were Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium and Fusarium. Pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia and Aspergillus were detected in all treatment processes. The results of principal component analysis showed that the bacterial composition in bioaerosols was similar of different technological processes, while the fungal species composition was different. The dominant microbial composition of sludge and bioaerosols was relatively close. The Source Tracker results indicated that sludge was the main source of airborne bacteria in the sludge dewatering house, as well as the main source of airborne fungi in the plate-frame pressure filtration tank and the sloping plate sedimentation tank. The non-carcinogenic risk in each stage was low (1.22 × 10-9-3.99 × 10-2). However, Bugbase phenotype prediction results showed that the bioaerosols in the anaerobic sedimentation tank may have potential pathogenicity. Therefore, the management and control of bioaerosols from the sludge treatment should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Liying Yang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Yue Ba
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Guoyu Zhou
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
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Zhang X, Lu B, Chen G, Wang L, Lin B, Peng Z, Lu S, Li D, Chen J. Culturable and inhalable airborne bacteria in a semiunderground municipal wastewater treatment plant: Distribution, transmission, and health risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132234. [PMID: 37586239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Airborne pathogens constitute a growing threat to global public health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important sources of airborne bacteria, which pose great health risks to the employee and nearby residents. In this study, the distribution, transmission and health risk of the airborne culturable and inhalable bacteria carried by PM2.5 in a semiunderground WWTP were evaluated. The concentrations of culturable bacteria in the air were 21.2-1431.1 CFU/m3, with the main contributions of primary and biological treatments. The relative abundances of culturable and total inhalable bacterial taxa were positively correlated (p < 0.05). However, certain bacteria, including Bacillus, Acinetobacter and Enterococcus, exhibited high reproductive capacity despite their low concentration in the air, suggesting that they can survive and regrow in suitable environments. Transmission modeling revealed that the concentrations of airborne bacteria exponentially decreased with distance from 18.67 to 24.12 copies /m3 at the source to 0.06-0.14 copies /m3 at 1000 m downwind. The risks of 8-h exposure in this WWTP except the outlet exceeded the reference value recommended by WHO, which were primarily dependent on P. aeruginosa, Salmonella, and E. coli. Management practices should consider improved controls for bioaerosols in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bingjie Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bingjie Lin
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhengliang Peng
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Songliu Lu
- Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute, Shanghai 200335, China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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6
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Yang T, Wang X, Hui X, Jiang L, Bi X, Ng HY, Zheng X, Huang S, Jiang B, Zhou X. Antibiotic resistome associated with inhalable bioaerosols from wastewater to atmosphere: Mobility, bacterial hosts, source contributions and resistome risk. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120403. [PMID: 37506636 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistome can be carried by the bioaerosols and propagate from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to the atmosphere, but questions remain regarding their mobility, bacterial hosts, source, and resistome risk. Here, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was collected within and around a large WWTP and analyzed by the metagenomic assembly and binning. PM2.5 was discovered with increasing enrichment of total antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), potentially mobile ARGs, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) along the WWTP-downwind-upwind gradient. Some ARGs were found to be flanked by certain mobile genetic elements and generally mediated by plasmids in WWTP-PM2.5. Totally, 198 metagenome assembled genomes assigning to seven phyla were identified as the ARB, and a contig-based analysis indicated that 32 pathogens were revealed harboring at least two ARGs. Despite disparate aerosolization potentials of ARGs or ARB at different WWTP units, high resistome risks were found, along with the dominant contribution of wastewater for airborne ARGs (44.79-62.82%) and ARB (35.03-40.10%). Among the detected WWTP matrices, the sludge dewatering room was characterized by the highest resistome risk associated with PM2.5. This study underscores the dispersion of ARGs and ARB from WWTPs to the atmosphere and provides a reference for managing risks of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
| | - Xuyi Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Xiaoliang Hui
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Lu Jiang
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Xuejun Bi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - How Yong Ng
- Center for Water Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, 519087, PR China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Shujuan Huang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
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7
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Yan C, Zhao XY, Luo X, An DZ, Zhu H, Li M, Ai XJ, Ali W. Quantitative microbial risk assessment with nasal/oral breathing pattern for S. aureus bioaerosol emission from aeration tanks and residual sludge storage yard in a wastewater treatment plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:21252-21262. [PMID: 36269474 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A large number of pathogenic bioaerosols are generated during the treatment process of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and they can pose potential risks to human health. Therefore, this study systematically analyzed the emission characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus bioaerosols released from an inverted umbrella aeration tank, a microporous aeration tank, and a residual sludge storage yard in a WWTP, and quantitatively evaluated the health risks of four kinds of exposed populations with nasal/oral breathing patterns under optimistic and conservative estimations. The results displayed that the bioaerosol concentration in inverted umbrella aeration tank was higher than that in microporous aeration tank and residual sludge storage yard. Aerosolization ratio in residual sludge storage yard was an order of magnitude lower than that in aeration tanks. Sludge workers were at higher health risks than the other three exposed populations. The health risks of nasal breathers (infection risk: 1.62 × 10-5-2.56 × 10-3 pppy; disease burden: 4.24 × 10-8-6.72 × 10-6 DALYs pppy) were 0.61-0.63 times higher than those of oral breathers (infection risk: 9.95 × 10-6-1.59 × 10-3 pppy; disease burden: 2.61 × 10-8-4.18 × 10-6 DALYs pppy). For female field engineers using oral breathing, laboratory technicians, and researchers without personal protective equipment (PPE), infection risk and disease burden had the opposite results, which indicated that satisfying one certain benchmark did not mean absolute safety. In addition, health risks of exposed populations were reduced by an order of magnitude after wearing PPE. This study can provide a reliable theoretical basis for the risk prevention of bioaerosols and supply data support for the strategies of health risk control perspectives for local sewage utilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yan
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental Water Science in the Yangtze River Basin, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhao
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Luo
- Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430062, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Zi An
- China Construction Eco-Environmental Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhu
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430040, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430040, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jun Ai
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430040, People's Republic of China
| | - Wajid Ali
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
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Tian J, Yan C, Alcega SG, Hassard F, Tyrrel S, Coulon F, Nasir ZA. Detection and characterization of bioaerosol emissions from wastewater treatment plants: Challenges and opportunities. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:958514. [PMID: 36439798 PMCID: PMC9684734 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.958514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid population growth and urbanization process have led to increasing demand for wastewater treatment capacity resulting in a non-negligible increase of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in several cities around the world. Bioaerosol emissions from WWTPs may pose adverse health risks to the sewage workers and nearby residents, which raises increasing public health concerns. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps on the interplay between process-based bioaerosol characteristics and exposures and the quantification of health risk which limit our ability to design effective risk assessment and management strategies. This review provides a critical overview of the existing knowledge of bioaerosol emissions from WWTPs including their nature, magnitude and size distribution, and highlights the shortcoming associated with existing sampling and analysis methods. The recent advancements made for rapid detection of bioaerosols are then discussed, especially the emerging real time detection methods to highlight the directions for future research needs to advance the knowledge on bioaerosol emissions from WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghan Tian
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Cheng Yan
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Sonia Garcia Alcega
- School of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Hassard
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sean Tyrrel
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
| | - Zaheer Ahmad Nasir
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
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9
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Yang T, Jiang L, Bi X, Cheng L, Zheng X, Wang X, Zhou X. Submicron aerosols share potential pathogens and antibiotic resistomes with wastewater or sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153521. [PMID: 35104511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Generation of size-segregated aerosols is an important eco-environmental problem in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), but the characteristics of potential pathogens and antibiotic resistomes in submicron aerosols (PM1.0) were almost unknown. Here, 16S rRNA gene amplification and shotgun metagenome sequencing were respectively used to study the profiles of potential pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in PM1.0 from a full-scale WWTP. Acinetobacter and sul1 were respectively the predominant potential pathogens and ARG subtypes in PM1.0 from aeration process. A total of 9 potential pathogens and 147 ARG subtypes, were shared among WWTP-PM1.0, wastewater/sludge, and ambient air. Significant differences of potential pathogens or ARGs were found between WWTP-PM1.0 and wastewater/sludge, however, wastewater/sludge had more crucial source contribution than the ambient air. Moreover, 13 potential pathogens and 40 ARG subtypes were easily aerosolized in PM1.0 from at least one of the treatment units. ARGs were mainly harbored by Proteobacteria, and multidrug resistance genes were the most ARG type carried by potential pathogens. Taken together, this study indicates the prevalence of potential pathogens, ARGs, and ARG-carrying potential pathogens in WWTP-PM1.0, which highlights the potential risk of PM1.0 in spreading potential pathogens and antibiotic resistomes into the air environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Lu Jiang
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
| | - Xuejun Bi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Lihua Cheng
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
| | - Xiang Zheng
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
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Li Y, Yang L, Song H, Ba Y, Li L, Hong Q, Wang Y. The changing pattern of bioaerosol characteristics, source and risk under diversity brush aerator speed. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 236:113478. [PMID: 35390686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols containing pathogens released from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) may pose potential health risks to workers on-site and residents downwind. In this study, sampling points were set up in the wastewater treatment facility to investigate the generation pattern of bioaerosols in the aeration tank section. High-throughput sequencing was utilized to assay the intestinal bacteria population, while the health risks associated with airborne bacteria were estimated based on average daily dose rates. The contribution of wastewater to bioaerosols was evaluated using the traceability analysis. As the rotational speed increased from 200 rpm to 800 rpm, the concentration of culturable bacteria increased from 397 CFU/m3 to 1611 CFU/m3, the proportion of bacteria attached to particles with an aerodynamic diameter larger than 4.7 µm increased from 30.41% to 48.44%, and the Shannon index of air samples increased from 1.032485 to 1.282065. Microbial composition, sources, and health risks of bioaerosols also changed as the rotational speed increased. The results showed that the predominant bacteria in the air at 200 rpm were Bacillus (78.78%), Paenibacillus (11.77%) and Lysinibacillus (1.40%). When the rotating speed reached 800 rpm, the dominant bacteria became Bacillus (55.50%), Acinetobacter (31.01%), and Paenarthrobacter (13.17%). The contribution of the wastewater to bioaerosols increased from 46.49% to 65.10%, in which surface water was the main source of bioaerosols (34.64% on average). Although the contribution of bottom water was lower than that of surface water, its contribution increased more, from 15.36% to 29.31%. The health risk of bioaerosols was 1.28 × 10-2 on average, which increased with the increase of rotational speed. At the same exposure concentration, children (2.31 × 10-2) have a higher exposure risk than adults (7.67 × 10-3). This study is aimed at exploring the variation law of bioaerosols discharged from WWTP with oxidation ditch process and providing preliminary data for reducing its risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Liying Yang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Huiling Song
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Yue Ba
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
| | - Qing Hong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
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11
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Yang T, Jiang L, Cheng L, Zheng X, Bi X, Wang X, Zhou X. Characteristics of size-segregated aerosols emitted from an aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor at a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125833. [PMID: 34492791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aerosol emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been associated with health reverberation but studies about characteristics of size-segregated aerosol particulate matter (PM) are scarce. In this study, the measurement of particulate number size distribution in the range of < 10 µm, and the collection of PM10-2.5, PM2.5-1.0 and PM1.0, were conducted from an aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) at a full-scale WWTP. MBBR aerosols showed a unimodal number size distribution, with the majority of particles (>94%) in the ultrafine size range (<100 nm). For toxic metal(loid)s or potential pathogens, significant differences were found within MBBR aerosols (PM10-2.5, PM2.5-1.0, and PM1.0), and also between MBBR aerosols and wastewater. Both wastewater and ambient air had important source contributions for MBBR aerosols. The compositions of toxic metal(loid)s in PM1.0, and the populations of potential bacterial or fungal pathogens in PM10-2.5 and PM2.5-1.0, were dominated by that from wastewater. Compared to PM10-2.5 and PM2.5-1.0, PM1.0 had the highest aerosolization potential for the toxic metal(loid)s of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, U, and Zn, and the genera of Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Fusarium. Due to the size-segregated specialty, targeted measures should be employed to reduce the health risks. CAPSULE: The compositions of toxic metal(loid)s in PM1.0, and the populations of potential pathogens in PM10-2.5 and PM2.5-1.0, were dominated by that from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
| | - Lu Jiang
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
| | - Lihua Cheng
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
| | - Xiang Zheng
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China.
| | - Xuejun Bi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
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12
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Singh NK, Sanghvi G, Yadav M, Padhiyar H, Thanki A. A state-of-the-art review on WWTP associated bioaerosols: Microbial diversity, potential emission stages, dispersion factors, and control strategies. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 410:124686. [PMID: 33309139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) associated bioaerosols have emerged as one of the critical sustainability indicators, ensuring health and well-being of societies and cities. In this context, this review summarizes the various wastewater treatment technologies which have been studied with a focus of bioaerosols emissions, potential emission stages, available sampling strategies, survival and dispersion factors, dominant microbial species in bioaerosols, and possible control approaches. Literature review revealed that most of the studies were devoted to sampling, enumerating and identifying cultivable microbial species of bioaerosols, as well as measuring their concentrations. However, the role of treatment technologies and their operational factors are investigated in limited studies only. Moreover, few studies have been reported to investigate the presence and concentrations of air borne virus and fungi in WWTP, as compared to bacterial species. The common environmental factors, affecting the survival and dispersion of bioaerosols, are observed as relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, and solar illumination. Further, research studies on recent episodes of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) pandemic also revealed that continuous and effective surveillance on WWTPs associated bioaerosols may led to early sign for future pandemics. The evaluation of reported data is bit complicated, due to the variation in sampling approaches, ambient conditions, and site activities of each study. Therefore, such studies need a standardized methodology and improved guidance to help informed future policies, contextual research, and support a robust health-based risk assessment process. Based on this review, an integrated sampling and analysis framework is suggested for future WWTPs to ensure their sustainability at social and/or health associated aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kumar Singh
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Marwadi Education Foundations Group of Institutions, Rajkot, India.
| | - Gaurav Sanghvi
- Department of Microbiology, Marwadi University, Rajkot, India.
| | - Manish Yadav
- Central Mine Planning Design Institute, Bhubaneshwar, India.
| | - Hirendrasinh Padhiyar
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Marwadi Education Foundations Group of Institutions, Rajkot, India.
| | - Arti Thanki
- Department of Microbiology, Marwadi University, Rajkot, India.
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Lou M, Liu S, Gu C, Hu H, Tang Z, Zhang Y, Xu C, Li F. The bioaerosols emitted from toilet and wastewater treatment plant: a literature review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:2509-2521. [PMID: 33098562 PMCID: PMC7585356 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11297-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The aerosols harboring microorganisms and viruses released from the wastewater system into the air have greatly threatened the health and safety of human beings. The wastewater systems, including toilet and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), are the major locations of epidemic infections due to the extensive sources of aerosols, as well as multifarious germs and microorganisms. Viruses and microorganisms may transport from both toilet and hospital into municipal pipes and subsequently into WWTP, which accounts for the main source of bioaerosols dispersed in the air of the wastewater system. This review aims to elaborate the generation, transmission, and diffusion processes of bioaerosols at toilet and WWTP. Moreover, the main factors affecting bioaerosol transmission and the corresponding prevention strategies for the airborne and inhaled bioaerosols are also discussed. Collectively, this review highlights the importance of managing bioaerosol occurrence in the wastewater system, which has aroused increasing concern from the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Lou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chunjie Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Huimin Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhengkun Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yaopeng Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chenye Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
- State Environmental Science and Engineering Centre for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Fang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
- State Environmental Science and Engineering Centre for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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14
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Duan WJ, Gao JF, Zhang WZ, Wang YW, Liu J. Elimination of antibiotic resistance genes in waste activated sludge by persulfate treatment during the process of sludge dewatering. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 311:123509. [PMID: 32417659 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Two sludge conditioning modes (nanoscale zero valent iron modified by Ginkgo biloba L. leaf (G-nZVI)/sodium persulfate (PS) conditioning with different ratios (1:0, 1:0.1, 1:1 and 1:10) and G-nZVI/PS conditioning with continuous addition) in reducing the specific resistance of filtration (SRF) and removing antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) were investigated. After 3 min, the SRF values decreased in following order: 2.45 × 108 m/kg (1:10) > 5.95 × 106 m/kg (1:0.1) > 3.72 × 106 m/kg (1:0) > 4.92 × 105 m/kg (1:1). In the continuous addition (1:1), the SRF value decreased from 1.04 × 108 m/kg to 6.47 × 106 m/kg at 9 min. Removal efficiency of ARGs was 2-6 orders of magnitude and no regeneration of ARGs was observed in sludge and water phase. When treated samples were incubated for 36 h, dominant microflora was negatively correlated with ARGs. This study revealed persulfate treatment could achieve dewatering and remove ARGs, simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Jun Duan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jing-Feng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Wen-Zhi Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yu-Wei Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jie Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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15
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Han Y, Yang T, Xu G, Li L, Liu J. Characteristics and interactions of bioaerosol microorganisms from wastewater treatment plants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 391:122256. [PMID: 32062341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria and fungi are abundant and ubiquitous in bioaerosols from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, the specificity and interactions of bioaerosol microorganism, particularly of potential pathogens, from WWTPs are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated 9 full-scale WWTPs in different areas of China for 3 years, and found microbial variations in bioaerosols to be associated with regions, seasons, and processes. Relative humidity, total suspended particulates, wind speed, temperature, total organic carbon, NH4+, Cl- and Ca2+ were the major factors influencing this variation, and meteorological factors were more strongly associated with the variation than chemical composition. In total, 95 and 22 potential bacterial and fungal pathogens were detected in bioaerosols, respectively. The linear discriminant analysis effect size method suggested that Serratia, Yersinia, Klebsiella, and Bacillus were discriminative genera in bioaerosols on the whole, and were also hub niches in the interactions within potential bacterial pathogens, based on network analysis. Strong co-occurrences such as Serratia-Bacillus and Staphylococcus-Candida, and co-exclusions such as Rhodotorula-Cladosporium and Pseudomonas-Candida, were found within and between potential bacterial and fungal pathogens in bioaerosols from WWTPs. This study furthers understanding of the biology and ecology of bioaerosols from WWTPs, and offers a theoretical basis for determining bioaerosol control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunping Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Material & Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, PR China.
| | - Tang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Material & Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, PR China.
| | - Guangsu Xu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, PR China.
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Material & Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, PR China.
| | - Junxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Material & Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, PR China.
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