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Yang S, Yin Y, Zhang W, Li H, Wang X, Chen R. Advances in understanding bioaerosol release characteristics and potential hazards during aerobic composting. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171796. [PMID: 38513848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171796] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosol emissions and their associated risks are attracting increasing attention. Bioaerosols are generated during the pretreatment, fermentation, and screening of mature compost when processing various types of solid waste at composting plants (e.g., municipal sludge and animal manure). In this review, we summarize research into bioaerosols at different types of composting plants by focusing on the methods used for sampling bioaerosols, stages when emissions potentially occur, major components of bioaerosols, survival and diffusion factors, and possible control strategies. The six-stage Andersen impactor is the main method used for sampling bioaerosols in composting plants. In addition, different composting management methods mainly affect bioaerosol emissions from composting plants. Studies of the components of bioaerosols produced by composting plants mainly focused on bacteria and fungi, whereas few considered others such as endotoxin. The survival and diffusion of bioaerosols are influenced by seasonal effects due to changes in environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity. Finally, three potential strategies have been proposed for controlling bioaerosols in composting plants. Improved policies are required for regulating bioaerosol emissions, as well as bioaerosol concentration diffusion models and measures to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Yanan Yin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China.
| | - Wenrong Zhang
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Haichao Li
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xiaochang Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
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Tastassa AC, Sharaby Y, Lang-Yona N. Aeromicrobiology: A global review of the cycling and relationships of bioaerosols with the atmosphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168478. [PMID: 37967625 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168478] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms and biological matter (bioaerosols) play a key role in global biogeochemical cycling, human and crop health trends, and climate patterns. Their presence in the atmosphere is controlled by three main stages: emission, transport, and deposition. Aerial survival rates of bioaerosols are increased through adaptations such as ultra-violet radiation and desiccation resistance or association with particulate matter. Current research into modern concerns such as climate change, global gene transfer, and pathogenicity often neglects to consider atmospheric involvement. This comprehensive review outlines the transpiring of bioaerosols across taxa in the atmosphere, with significant focus on their interactions with environmental elements including abiotic factors (e.g., atmospheric composition, water cycle, and pollution) and events (e.g., dust storms, hurricanes, and wildfires). The aim of this review is to increase understanding and shed light on needed research regarding the interplay between global atmospheric phenomena and the aeromicrobiome. The abundantly documented bacteria and fungi are discussed in context of their cycling and human health impacts. Gaps in knowledge regarding airborne viral community, the challenges and importance of studying their composition, concentrations and survival in the air are addressed, along with understudied plant pathogenic oomycetes, and archaea cycling. Key methodologies in sampling, collection, and processing are described to provide an up-to-date picture of ameliorations in the field. We propose optimization to microbiological methods, commonly used in soil and water analysis, that adjust them to the context of aerobiology, along with other directions towards novel and necessary advancements. This review offers new perspectives into aeromicrobiology and calls for advancements in global-scale bioremediation, insights into ecology, climate change impacts, and pathogenicity transmittance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel C Tastassa
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehonatan Sharaby
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel
| | - Naama Lang-Yona
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003 Haifa, Israel.
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G S J S, Ramakodi MP, T V B P S R. Review of bioaerosols from different sources and their health impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1321. [PMID: 37840110 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11935-x] [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: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The emission of bioaerosols in the ambient atmosphere from different sources is a cause of concern for human health and the environment. Bioaerosols are a combination of biotic matter like microbes and pollens. The present review emphasizes the understanding of various sources of bioaerosols (industries, municipal solid waste, and medical facilities), their components, and their impact on human health. The study of bioaerosols is of great importance as large numbers of people are estimated to be exposed on the global scale. Bioaerosols exposure in different work environments results in health issues such as infectious diseases, allergies, toxic effects, and respiratory problems. Hence, extensive research is urged to establish an effective assessment of bioaerosols exposure in the workplace, risks involved, distribution, and validation. The present review is intended to explore the relationship between bioaerosols exposure to the atmosphere and its impacts on human health. Some of the preliminary findings, based on our analysis of bioaerosols arising from municipal solid waste at a landfill site and a waste transfer station in Hyderabad, India, are also discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailaja G S J
- CSIR - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Hyderabad Zonal Centre, IICT Campus, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India.
| | - Meganathan P Ramakodi
- CSIR - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Hyderabad Zonal Centre, IICT Campus, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
| | - Ramakrishna T V B P S
- CSIR - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Hyderabad Zonal Centre, IICT Campus, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India
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Gupta AD, Gupta T. A review on potential approach for in silico toxicity analysis of respirable fraction of ambient particulate matter. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1216. [PMID: 37715017 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11859-6] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown the adverse effect of ambient particulate matter (PM) on respiratory and cardiovascular systems inside the human body. Various cellular and acellular assays in literature use indicators like ROS generation, cell inflammation, mutagenicity, etc., to assess PM toxicity and associated health effects. The presence of toxic compounds in respirable PM needs detailed studies for proper understanding of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion mechanisms inside the body as it is difficult to accurately imitate or simulate these mechanisms in lab or animal models. The leaching kinetics of the lung fluid, PM composition, retention time, body temperature, etc., are hard to mimic in an artificial experimental setup. Moreover, the PM size fraction also plays an important role. For example, the ultrafine particles may directly enter systemic circulations while coarser PM10 may be trapped and deposited in the tracheo-bronchial region. Hence, interpretation of these results in toxicity models should be done judiciously. Computational models predicting PM toxicity are rare in the literature. The variable composition of PM and lack of proper understanding for their synergistic role inside the body are prime reasons behind it. This review explores different possibilities of in silico modeling and suggests possible approaches for the risk assessment of PM particles. The toxicity testing approach for engineered nanomaterials, drugs, food industries, etc., have also been investigated for application in computing PM toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Deep Gupta
- Atmospheric Particle Technology Lab at Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering and Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Pin-208016, India
| | - Tarun Gupta
- Atmospheric Particle Technology Lab at Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering and Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Pin-208016, India.
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Cui B, An D, Li H, Luo X, Zhu H, Li M, Ai X, Ma J, Ali W, Yan C. Evaluating the threshold limit value of acceptable exposure concentration for exposure to bioaerosols in a wastewater treatment plant: Reverse-quantitative microbial risk assessment and sensitivity analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:130687. [PMID: 36989774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130687] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Agitation operations produce numerous pathogenic bioaerosols in WWTPs1. QMRA2 can determine risks of persons exposed to these bioaerosols. However, QMRA framework cannot help stakeholders in immediately deciding whether a risk is intolerable. Thus, evaluating threshold of acceptable exposure concentration is an urgent issue but is still rarely addressed in WWTPs. This study analyzed TLV3 benchmarks of E. coli and S. aureus bioaerosols emitted from a WWTP by reverse-QMRA. Furthermore, variance of input parameters was clarified by sensitivity analysis. Results showed that, under conservative and optimistic estimates, TLV of technicians was 1.52-2.06 and 1.26-1.68 times as large as those of workers, respectively; wearing mask drive TLV up to 1-2 orders of magnitude; TLV of M4 was at most 1.33 and 1.31 times as large as that of RD5, respectively. For sensitivity analysis, removal fraction by equipping PPE enlarge TLV for effortlessly obtaining an acceptable assessment result; exposure time was dominant when without PPE excepting the scenario of technicians exposed to E. coli bioaerosol. This study helps establish threshold guidelines for bioaerosols in WWTPs and contribute innovative perspectives for stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Cui
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental Water Science in the Yangtze River Basin, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Dongzi An
- China Construction Eco-Environmental Group Co., Ltd, Beijing 100037, PR China
| | - Haojun Li
- Yunnan Design Institute Group Co., Ltd, Kunming 650100, PR China
| | - Xi Luo
- Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430062, PR China
| | - Hao Zhu
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430040, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430040, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Ai
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430040, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Ma
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Wajid Ali
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Cheng Yan
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental Water Science in the Yangtze River Basin, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
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6
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Van der Weijden F. Aerosol in the oral health-care setting: a misty topic. Clin Oral Investig 2023:10.1007/s00784-023-05034-x. [PMID: 37162570 PMCID: PMC10170433 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that mouth and respiratory tract microorganisms can be transported in aerosol and spatter. Due to aerosol-generating procedures, there are potentially various infection risks for patients and those working in health care, especially in oral health care. Dental aerosol can contaminate not only the mucous membranes of the oral health-care professional's mouth, respiratory passages, and eyes but also exposed surfaces and materials in the environment. As such, preventing disease transmission within oral health-care offices is important issue. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an innumerable amount of (mis)information and advice on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus has been published. What preventive measures can and have been taken to counteract this, and what have we learned during the pandemic? This review summarizes relevant literature that has addressed the presence and dispersal of aerosol and spatter as a concern in health care. It includes the sources of dental aerosol, their potential health threats, and strategies for controlling and mitigating their impact. It shows that further research is needed to better understand the potential health risks of dental aerosol and to develop effective strategies for mitigating them. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using personal protective equipment, high-volume evacuation systems and pre-procedural antimicrobial agents can help to reduce the potential for infection in oral health-care settings and protect the well-being of oral health-care workers and their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fridus Van der Weijden
- Department of Periodontology, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Szulc J, Okrasa M, Ryngajłło M, Pielech-Przybylska K, Gutarowska B. Markers of Chemical and Microbiological Contamination of the Air in the Sport Centers. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083560. [PMID: 37110794 PMCID: PMC10144153 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the markers of chemical and microbiological contamination of the air at sport centers (e.g., the fitness center in Poland) including the determination of particulate matter, CO2, formaldehyde (DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor; Multi-functional Air Quality Detector), volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration (headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), the number of microorganisms in the air (culture methods), and microbial biodiversity (high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform). Additionally the number of microorganisms and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (PCR) on the surfaces was determined. Total particle concentration varied between 0.0445 mg m-3 and 0.0841 mg m-3 with the dominance (99.65-99.99%) of the PM2.5 fraction. The CO2 concentration ranged from 800 ppm to 2198 ppm, while the formaldehyde concentration was from 0.005 mg/m3 to 0.049 mg m-3. A total of 84 VOCs were identified in the air collected from the gym. Phenol, D-limonene, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol dominated in the air at the tested facilities. The average daily number of bacteria was 7.17 × 102 CFU m-3-1.68 × 103 CFU m-3, while the number of fungi was 3.03 × 103 CFU m-3-7.34 × 103 CFU m-3. In total, 422 genera of bacteria and 408 genera of fungi representing 21 and 11 phyla, respectively, were detected in the gym. The most abundant bacteria and fungi (>1%) that belonged to the second and third groups of health hazards were: Escherichia-Shigella, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. In addition, other species that may be allergenic (Epicoccum) or infectious (Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Sporobolomyces) were present in the air. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on surfaces in the gym. The monitoring proposal for the assessment of the air quality at a sport center includes the following markers: total particle concentration with the PM2.5 fraction, CO2 concentration, VOCs (phenol, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol), and the number of bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Szulc
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-530 Łódź, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Okrasa
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, 90-133 Łódź, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ryngajłło
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-573 Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Beata Gutarowska
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-530 Łódź, Poland
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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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Taushiba A, Dwivedi S, Zehra F, Shukla PN, Lawrence AJ. Assessment of indoor air quality and their inter-association in hospitals of northern India-a cross-sectional study. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2023; 16:1023-1036. [PMID: 37213469 PMCID: PMC9985081 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-023-01321-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This study was commenced to evaluate the indoor and outdoor air quality concentrations of PM2.5, sub-micron particles (PM>2.5, PM1.0-2.5, PM0.50 -1.0, PM0.25-0.50, and PM<0.25), heavy metals, and microbial contaminants along with their identification in three different hospitals of Lucknow City. The study was conducted from February 2022 to April 2022 in hospitals situated in the commercial, residential, and industrial belts of the city. The indoor concentration trend of particulate matter as observed during the study suggested that most of the highest concentrations belonged to the hospital situated in an industrial area. The highest obtained indoor and outdoor concentrations for PM1.0-2.5, PM0.50-1.0, PM0.25-0.50, and PM<0.25 are 40.44 µg/m3, 56.08 µg/m3, 67.20 µg/m3, 74.50 µg/m3, 61.9 µg/m3, 79.3 µg/m3, 82.0 µg/m3, and 93.9 µg/m3, respectively, which belonged to hospital C situated in the industrial belt. However, for PM>2.5, the highest indoor concentration obtained belonged to hospital B, i.e., 30.7 µg/m3, which is situated in the residential belt of the city. Regarding PM2.5, the highest indoor and outdoor concentrations obtained are 149.41 µg/m3 and 227.45 µg/m3, which were recorded at hospital A and hospital C, respectively. The present study also observed that a high bacterial load of 1389.21 CFU/m3 is recorded in hospital B, and the fungi load was highest in hospital C with 786.34 CFU/m3. Henceforth, the present study offers thorough information on the various air pollutants in a crucial indoor setting, which will further aid the researchers in the field to identify and mitigate the same more precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Taushiba
- Department of Chemistry, Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, India
- Department of Environmental Science, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Samridhi Dwivedi
- Department of Chemistry, Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, India
| | - Farheen Zehra
- Department of Chemistry, Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, India
| | - Pashupati Nath Shukla
- Department of Pharmacology & Microbial Technology, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
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A Collection of Molecular Fingerprints of Single Aerosol Particles in Air for Potential Identification and Detection Using Optical Trapping-Raman Spectroscopy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185966. [PMID: 36144702 PMCID: PMC9505655 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterization, identification, and detection of aerosol particles in their native atmospheric states remain a challenge. Recently, optical trapping-Raman spectroscopy (OT-RS) has been developed and demonstrated for characterization of single, airborne particles. Such particles in different chemical groups have been characterized by OT-RS in recent years and many more are being studied. In this work, we collected single-particle Raman spectra measured using the OT-RS technique and began construction of a library of OT-RS fingerprints that may be used as a reference for potential detection and identification of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. We collected OT-RS fingerprints of aerosol particles from eight different categories including carbons, bioaerosols (pollens, fungi, vitamins, spores), dusts, biological warfare agent surrogates, etc. Among the eight categories, spectral fingerprints of six groups of aerosol particles have been published previously and two other groups are new. We also discussed challenges, limitations, and advantages of using single-particle optical trapping-Raman spectroscopy for aerosol-particle characterization, identification, and detection.
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Cyprowski M, Ławniczek-Wałczyk A, Stobnicka-Kupiec A, Gołofit-Szymczak M, Górny RL. Across-Shift Changes in Viable Nasal Bacteria among Waste-Incineration Plant Workers-A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158984. [PMID: 35897354 PMCID: PMC9331216 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to assess the time-related changes in viable nasal bacteria concentrations among waste-incineration plant (WIP) workers compared to a group of office building (OB) workers outside the plant. In total, 20 volunteers participated in the study, including 14 WIP and 6 OB workers. WIP workers were divided into two sub-groups: supervisory staff (SVS) and maintenance and repair workers (MRW). Nasal swabs were collected before and after the morning work shift. Airborne bacteria were sampled with a six-stage impactor to assess the bioaerosol size distribution. The analysis showed that a significant, almost three-fold increase in nasal bacterial concentration was found only among WIP workers, and this referred mainly to anaerobic species. The load of anaerobic bacteria at the beginning of work was 12,988 CFU/mL, and after work shift 36,979 CFU/mL (p < 0.01). Significant increases in microbial concentrations was found only in the MRW subgroup, among non-smoking workers only. The results showed increased bacterial concentration in WIP nasal samples for as many as 12 bacterial species, including, e.g., Streptococcus constellatus, Peptostreptococcus spp., E. coli, and P. mirabilis. These preliminary data confirmed that the nasal swab method was helpful for assessment of the workers’ real-time exposure to airborne bacteria.
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Gui ZC, Li X, Liu ML, Peng ZD, Yan C, Nasir ZA, Alcega SG, Coulon F. Seasonal variation of quantitative microbial risk assessment for three airborne enteric bacteria from wastewater treatment plant emissions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 240:113689. [PMID: 35636240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113689] [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: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Airborne E. coli, fecal coliform, and Enterococcus are all related to sewage worker's syndrome and therefore used as target enteric bioaerosols about researches in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, most of the studies are often inadequately carried out because they lack systematic studies reports bioaerosols emission characteristics and health risk assessments for these three enteric bacteria during seasonal variation. Therefore, quantitative microbial risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation was utilized in this research to assess the seasonal variations of health risks of the three enteric bioaerosols among exposure populations (academic visitors, field engineers, and office staffs) in a WWTP equipped with rotating-disc and microporous aeration modes. The results show that the concentrations of the three airborne bacteria from the rotating-disc aeration mode were 2-7 times higher than the microporous aeration mode. Field engineers had health risks 1.5 times higher than academic visitors due to higher exposure frequency. Health risks of airborne Enterococcus in summer were up to 3 times higher than those in spring and winter. Similarly, health risks associated to E. coli aerosol exposure were 0.3 times higher in summer compared to spring. In contrast, health risks associated with fecal coliform aerosol were between 2 and 19 times lower in summer compared to spring and winter seasons. Data further suggest that wearing of N95 mask could minimize health risks by 1-2 orders of magnitude. This research shed light on seasonal variation of health risks associated with bioaerosol emission from wastewater utilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Cheng Gui
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 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
| | - Xiang Li
- Three Gorges Base Development Co., Ltd., Yichang 443002, People's Republic of China
| | - Man-Li Liu
- Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Hubei Water Resource Technical College, Wuhan 430202, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang-di Peng
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Yan
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 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.
| | - Zaheer Ahmad Nasir
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Sonia Garcia Alcega
- School of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK6 7AA, UK
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
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Parmentier EA, Corral Arroyo P, Gruseck R, Ban L, David G, Signorell R. Charge Effects on the Photodegradation of Single Optically Trapped Oleic Acid Aerosol Droplets. J Phys Chem A 2022; 126:4456-4464. [PMID: 35767023 PMCID: PMC9289876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c01370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
![]()
It has recently been
reported that reactions can occur faster in
microdroplets than in extended condensed matter. The electric charge
of droplets has also been suggested as a possible cause of this phenomenon.
Here, we investigate the influence of electric charges on the photodegradation
of single, optically trapped oleic acid aerosol droplets in the absence
of other reactive species. The temporal evolution of the chemical
composition and the size of droplets with charge states ranging from
0 to 104 elementary charges were retrieved from Raman spectra
and elastic light scattering, respectively. No influence of the droplet
charge was observed, either on the chemical composition or on the
kinetics. Based on a kinetic multilayer model, we propose a reaction
mechanism with the photoexcitation of oleic acid into an excited state,
subsequent decay into intermediates and further photoexcitation of
intermediates and their decay into nonvolatile and volatile products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne A Parmentier
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Corral Arroyo
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Richard Gruseck
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Loren Ban
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Grégory David
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth Signorell
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Bioaerosol Seasonal Variation and Contribution to Airborne Particulate Matter in Huangshi City of Central China. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13060909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ambient bioaerosols affect ecosystems and public health, but their seasonal variations and their contributions to aerosol particles are limitedly understood. Ambient bioaerosols in PM2.5 and PM10 samples were measured in Huangshi City, Hubei Province of China from April 2018 to December 2018. Bioaerosols were measured using a fluorescence microscope after staining with 4′, 6-diamino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) following a direct staining technique. The bioaerosol number concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 15.69 # cm−3 for PM2.5 and 0.22 to 18.20 # cm−3 for PM10, with averages of 2.79 # cm−3 and 4.66 # cm−3, respectively. The bioaerosol concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 varied significantly by seasons and were arranged in the following descending order: spring > fall > winter > summer. Bioaerosol numbers were dominated by fine particles of 0.37–2.5 μm diameter, while the spring bioaerosol particles were detected at the peak concentration of 0.56–1 μm diameter. Bioaerosol fractions accounted for 18.3 ± 10.6% PM10 mass and 13.7 ± 12.5% PM2.5 mass. Bioaerosol concentrations were increased during the haze event, but the increased amounts were not as large as those of the dust event, and higher bioaerosol contributions to PM were observed in the dust event than in the haze event. As enhanced emission controls have reduced PM concentrations in China, bioaerosols can be important contributors to PM mass.
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Manibusan S, Mainelis G. Passive Bioaerosol Samplers: A Complementary Tool for Bioaerosol Research. A Review. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE 2022; 163:105992. [PMID: 36386279 PMCID: PMC9648171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2022.105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols consist of airborne particles of biological origin. They play an important role in our environment and may cause negative health effects. The presence of biological aerosol is typically determined using active samplers. While passive bioaerosol samplers are used much less frequently in bioaerosol investigations, they offer certain advantages, such as simple design, low cost, and long sampling duration. This review discusses different types of passive bioaerosol samplers, including their collection mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, applicability in different sampling environments, and available sample elution and analysis methods. Most passive samplers are based on gravitational settling and electrostatic capture mechanism or their combination. We discuss the agar settle plate, dustfall collector, Personal Aeroallergen Sampler (PAAS), and settling filters among the gravity-based samplers. The described electrostatics-based samplers include electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) and Rutgers Electrostatic Passive Sampler (REPS). In addition, the review also discusses passive opportunity samplers using preexisting airflow, such as filters in HVAC systems. Overall, passive bioaerosol sampling technologies are inexpensive, easy to operate, and can continuously sample for days and even weeks which is not easily accomplished by active sampling devices. Although passive sampling devices are usually treated as qualitative tools, they still provide information about bioaerosol presence and diversity, especially over longer time scales. Overall, this review suggests that the use of passive bioaerosol samplers alongside active collection devices can aid researchers in developing a more comprehensive understanding of biological presence and dynamics, especially over extended time scales and multiple locations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gediminas Mainelis
- Corresponding author: Gediminas Mainelis, Phone: 848-932-5707, Fax: 732-932-8644
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16
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Mtetwa HN, Amoah ID, Kumari S, Bux F, Reddy P. The source and fate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in wastewater and possible routes of transmission. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:145. [PMID: 35057793 PMCID: PMC8781043 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) consists of causative agents of both human and animal tuberculosis and is responsible for over 10 million annual infections globally. Infections occur mainly through airborne transmission, however, there are possible indirect transmissions through a faecal-oral route which is poorly reported. This faecal-oral transmission could be through the occurrence of the microbe in environments such as wastewater. This manuscript, therefore, reviews the source and fate of MTBC in the wastewater environment, including the current methods in use and the possible risks of infections. RESULTS The reviewed literature indicates that about 20% of patients with pulmonary TB may have extra-pulmonary manifestations such as GITB, resulting in shedding in feaces and urine. This could potentially be the reason for the detection of MTBC in wastewater. MTBC concentrations of up to 5.5 × 105 (±3.9 × 105) copies/L of untreated wastewater have been reported. Studies have indicated that wastewater may provide these bacteria with the required nutrients for their growth and could potentially result in environmental transmission. However, 98.6 (± 2.7) %, removal during wastewater treatment, through physical-chemical decantation (primary treatment) and biofiltration (secondary treatment) has been reported. Despite these reports, several studies observed the presence of MTBC in treated wastewater via both culture-dependent and molecular techniques. CONCLUSION The detection of viable MTBC cells in either treated or untreated wastewater, highlights the potential risks of infection for wastewater workers and communities close to these wastewater treatment plants. The generation of aerosols during wastewater treatment could be the main route of transmission. Additionally, direct exposure to the wastewater containing MTBC could potentially contribute to indirect transmissions which may lead to pulmonary or extra-pulmonary infections. This calls for the implementation of risk reduction measures aimed at protecting the exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlengiwe N Mtetwa
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Isaac D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Poovendhree Reddy
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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17
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Mosalaei S, Amiri H, Rafiee A, Abbasi A, Baghani AN, Hoseini M. Assessment of fungal bioaerosols and particulate matter characteristics in indoor and outdoor air of veterinary clinics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1773-1780. [PMID: 34900306 PMCID: PMC8617105 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary staff are frequently exposed to various occupational hazards. The present study was aimed to investigate the air characteristics of veterinary clinics in terms of fungal bioaerosols and particulate matters. Air samples were taken every six days from the operating room, examination room and outdoor air of three veterinary clinics in Shiraz, southwest Iran. The concentrations of fungal bio-aerosols ranged from 8.05 CFU/m 3 in the outdoor air of clinic B to 47.21 CFU/m 3 in the operating room of clinic A. The predominant fungal genera identified in the studied clinics were Penicillium and Aspergillus niger, respectively. The concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 41.88 μg/m 3 in the operating room of clinic C to 60.31 μg/m 3 in the outdoor air of the same clinic. The corresponding values for PM10 ranged from 114.40 μg/m 3 in the operating room of clinic C to 256.70 μg/m 3 in the outdoor air of the same clinic. The results of this study showed a positive correlation between the concentration of fungal bioaerosols and relative humidity (p < 0.05; r = 0.622). Besides, a negative correlation was found between the concentration of fungal bioaerosols and temperature (p < 0.05; r = 0.369). To better assess the individual exposure of veterinarians and staff in veterinary clinics, tests including nasopharyngeal sampling are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Mosalaei
- Department of environmental health, School of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hoda Amiri
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ata Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Alireza Abbasi
- Department of environmental health, School of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Norouzian Baghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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18
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Nozza E, Valentini S, Melzi G, Vecchi R, Corsini E. Advances on the immunotoxicity of outdoor particulate matter: A focus on physical and chemical properties and respiratory defence mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146391. [PMID: 33774291 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is acknowledged to have multiple detrimental effects on human health. In this review, we report literature results on the possible link between outdoor PM and health outcomes with a focus on pulmonary infections and the mechanisms responsible for observed negative effects. PM physical and chemical properties, such as size and chemical composition, as well as major emission sources are described for a more comprehensive view about the role played by atmospheric PM in the observed adverse health effects; to this aim, major processes leading to the deposition of PM in the respiratory tract and how this can pave the way to the onset of pathologies are also presented. From the literature works here reviewed, two ways in which PM can threaten human health promoting respiratory infectious diseases are mostly taken into account. The first pathway is related to an enhanced susceptibility and here we will also report on molecular mechanisms in the lung immune system responsible for the augmented susceptibility to pathogens, such as the damage of mechanical defensive barriers, the alteration of the innate immune response, and the generation of oxidative stress. The second one deals with the relationship between infectious agents and PM; here we recall that viruses and bacteria (BioPM) are themselves part of atmospheric PM and are collected during sampling together with particles of different origin; so, data should be analysed with caution in order to avoid any false cause-effect relation. To face these issues a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory as also evident from the ongoing research about the mechanisms hypothesized for the SARS-CoV-2 airborne spreading, which is still controversial and claims for further investigation. Therefore, we preferred not to include papers dealing with SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nozza
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Department of Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - S Valentini
- Department of Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - G Melzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - R Vecchi
- Department of Physics, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - E Corsini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Characteristics and health effects of potentially pathogenic bacterial aerosols from a municipal solid waste landfill site in Hamadan, Iran. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1057-1067. [PMID: 34150294 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00672-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols produced from the municipal solid waste landfill site and its health risk assessment in the Hamadan city at west of Iran. In this study, air samples were collected every month during spring and summer at six locations including the active zone, leachate collection pond, infectious waste landfill, upwind, closure landfill, and downwind using the Andersen impactor. Spatial and seasonal variations of the potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols were detected. Also, Health risk associated were estimated based on the average daily dose rates (ADD) of exposure by inhalation. The mean concentration of potentially pathogenic bacterial aerosols were 468.7 ± 140 CFU m- 3 1108.5 ± 136.9 CFU m- 3 detected in the active zone in spring and summer, respectively. Also, there was a significant relationship between meteorological parameters and bacterial concentration (p < 0.05). The predominant potential pathogenic bacterial identified in the spring were Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus sp., and Pseudomonas sp., while in summer were Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The hazard quotient (HQ) in both seasons were less of 1. Bacteria were spread throughout the landfill space, but their maximum density was observed around the active zone and leachate collection pond. This study highlights the importance of exposure to potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols in the summer and its adverse effects, especially in the MSW landfill site active zone. Finally, controlled exposure can reduce the health hazard caused by the potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols.
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Bacterial Contamination in Health Care Centers: Differences between Urban and Rural Settings. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12040450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the airborne bioburden of rural and urban Portuguese Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) using active and passive sampling methods and identify the potential differences in airborne microbiota between both environments. The highest total aerobic mesophilic bacterial load in indoor air were found in the Vaccination Room (448 CFU.m−3) in the Rural PHCC and in the Waiting Room (420 CFU.m−3) for Urban PHCC. The total coliforms contamination level in indoor air was detected only in the Cleaning Supplies Room (4 CFU.m−3) in the Urban PHCC. The most frequent bacteria genera identified was Micrococcus (21% Rural PHCC; 31% Urban PHCC). The surface samples showed a highest total aerobic mesophilic bacterial contamination in the Treatment Room (86 × 103 CFU.m−2) from the Rural PHCC and in the Front Office (200 × 103 CFU.m−2) from the Urban PHCC. The electrostatic dust cloth (EDC) samples showed a highest bacterial load in the Urban PHCC. Total aerobic mesophilic bacterial load in settled dust and in the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filter samples in the Urban PHCC (8 CFU.g−1 and 6 × 103 CFU.m−2) presented higher values compared with the Rural PHCC (1 CFU.g−1 and 2.5 × 103 CFU.m−2). Urban PHCC presented higher bacterial airborne contamination compared with the Rural PHCC for the majority of sampling sites, and when compared with the indoor air quality (IAQ) Portuguese legislation it was the Rural PHCC in two sampling places who did not comply with the established criteria.
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Talepour N, Hassanvand MS, Abbasi-Montazeri E, Latifi SM, Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard N. Spatio-temporal variations of airborne bacteria from the municipal wastewater treatment plant: a case study in Ahvaz, Iran. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:423-432. [PMID: 33312571 PMCID: PMC7721828 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00470-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The study of bioaerosol dispersion in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has received considerable attention. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal changes and spatial distributions of airborne bacteria around different parts of Ahvaz WWTP, the capital city of Khuzestan Province, Iran, over 4 months in the cold and warm seasons. Samples were collected from 2 and 10-m intervals of grit chamber (GCh), primary sludge dewatering basin (PSDB), aeration tank (AT), as well as 60-m upstream (US) and downstream (DS) of the WWTP. Further, bacteria in the indoor air of administrative building (AB) of WWTP were investigated. Bioaerosols were collected by passive sampling method. The total bacteria count was 105.3 ± 98.5 CFU/plate/h. The dominant bacteria stood 2 m away from the AT with an average 244.2 ± 73.1 CFU/plate/h in the warm season while they were the lowest with an average 43 ± 11.4 CFU/plate/h in the 10-m distance of the GCh in the cold season. According to the sequencing results, the dominant bacterial species included Bacillus pumilus (26.7%), Staphylococcus arlettae (23.2%), Kocuria turfanensis (13.6%) and Alicycliphilus (9.2%), respectively. There was a positive relationship between the release of bacteria, temperature and wind speed. However, there was a significant negative correlation between total bacteria concentration and humidity. There are accumulative perils to WWTP workers and neighbors exposed by persistent exposure to airborne bacteria. Therefore, AT should be paid more attention as a dominant source of airborne bacteria emissions, especially in the warm season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Talepour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Health Faculty, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Effat Abbasi-Montazeri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Latifi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine & Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Montazeri A, Zandi H, Teymouri F, Soltanianzadeh Z, Jambarsang S, Mokhtari M. Microbiological analysis of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols from burn hospital of Yazd (Iran) in 2019. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:1121-1130. [PMID: 33312628 PMCID: PMC7721834 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bioaerosols play an important role in incidence of infections in indoor and outdoor air of hospitals. Microorganisms play a critical role in the health of human beings and they are found everywhere in the environment, including different wards of a hospital. So, quantitative and qualitative analysis of microorganisms is highly important in hospital air. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity and density of bacteria and fungi in the air of Shohadaye Mehrab Hospital in Yazd City, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sampling was performed using a single-stage pump (Quick Take30) at a flow rate of 28.3 l per minute for five minutes. As a result, 288 indoor and outdoor hospital air samples were collected. Numbers and types of bacterial and fungal colonies were identified using colony morphology, gram staining, and standard microbial tests. Chi-square test, PCA and linear mixed model were run by SPSS version 24.0 for data analysis. RESULTS The highest bacterial contaminations were found in the burns ward (294 CFU/m3), operating theater (147 CFU/m3), and emergency department (124 CFU/m3), respectively. Fungal contamination was higher in the derm ward (110 CFU/m3) than other sampling sites. The dominant genus of gram-positive bacteria was Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 60, 62.5%) and the dominant genus of gram-negative bacteria was Citrobacter freundi (n = 11, 11.5%). The most fungal gens isolated from the hospital air samples were Penicillium (n = 73, 76%), Alternaria (n = 51, 53.1%), Aspergillus niger (n = 40, 41.7%), and Aspergillus flavus (n = 34, 35.4%), respectively. CONCLUSION Considering that the burn wounds represent a susceptible site for opportunistic microorganisms, even low concentration of fungi/bacteria in air can be considered as a risk factor that facilitates transmission of the infectious agents in the hospital. Therefore, control measures should be taken to reduce the infection hazard in health staff and patients. These measures include ensuring effective ventilation, cleaning and decontaminating surfaces and equipment, restricting the personnel and patient companions' movement across the wards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Montazeri
- Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hengamah Zandi
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Teymouri
- Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zahra Soltanianzadeh
- Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sara Jambarsang
- Research Center of Prevention and Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Disease, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mokhtari
- Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Methods for Bioaerosol Characterization: Limits and Perspectives for Human Health Risk Assessment in Organic Waste Treatment. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11050452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosol characterization represents a major challenge for the risk assessment and management of exposed people. One of the most important bioaerosol sources is the organic waste collection and treatment. This work analyzed and discussed the literature with the purpose of investigating the main techniques used nowadays for bioaerosol monitoring during organic waste treatment. The discussion includes an overview on the most efficient sampling, DNA extraction, and analysis methods, including both the cultural and the bio-molecular approach. Generally, an exhaustive biological risk assessment is not applied due to the organic waste heterogeneity, treatment complexity, and unknown aerosolized emission rate. However, the application of bio-molecular methods allows a better bioaerosol characterization, and it is desirable to be associated with standardized cultural methods. Risk assessment for organic waste workers generally includes the evaluation of the potential exposition to pathogens and opportunistic pathogens or to other microorganisms as biomarkers. In most cases, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula, Legionella spp., Aspergillus spp., and Mycobacterium spp. are included. Future perspectives are focused on identifying common composting biomarkers, on investigating the causality process between chronic bioaerosol exposure and disease onset, and finally, on defining common exposure limits.
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Anedda E, Carletto G, Gilli G, Traversi D. Monitoring of Air Microbial Contaminations in Different Bioenergy Facilities Using Cultural and Biomolecular Methods. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2546. [PMID: 31319472 PMCID: PMC6678261 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Anedda
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Carletto
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Mbareche H, Veillette M, Pilote J, Létourneau V, Duchaine C. Bioaerosols Play a Major Role in the Nasopharyngeal Microbiota Content in Agricultural Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16081375. [PMID: 30995814 PMCID: PMC6518280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Bioaerosols are a major concern for public health and sampling for exposure assessment purposes is challenging. The nasopharyngeal region could be a potent carrier of long-term bioaerosol exposure agents. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nasopharyngeal bacterial flora of swine workers and the swine barns bioaerosol biodiversity. Methods: Air samples from eight swine barns as well as nasopharyngeal swabs from pig workers (n = 25) and from a non-exposed control group (n = 29) were sequenced using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Wastewater treatment plants were used as the industrial, low-dust, non-agricultural environment control to validate the microbial link between the bioaerosol content (air) and the nasopharynxes of workers. Results: A multivariate analysis showed air samples and nasopharyngeal flora of pig workers cluster together, compared to the non-exposed control group. The significance was confirmed with the PERMANOVA statistical test (p-value of 0.0001). Unlike the farm environment, nasopharynx samples from wastewater workers did not cluster with air samples from wastewater treatment plants. The difference in the microbial community of nasopharynx of swine workers and a control group suggest that swine workers are carriers of germs found in bioaerosols. Conclusion: Nasopharynx sampling and microbiota could be used as a proxy of air sampling for exposure assessment studies or for the determination of exposure markers in highly contaminated agricultural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Mbareche
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Marc Veillette
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
| | - Jonathan Pilote
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Valérie Létourneau
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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