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Brągoszewska E, Mainka A. Assessment of personal deposited dose and particle size distribution of bacterial aerosol in kindergarten located in southern Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123208. [PMID: 38142028 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123208] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The study's primary focus lies in examining the relationship between respiratory and deposition doses of bacterial aerosols in urban kindergarten, providing valuable insights into the specific doses absorbed by individuals in different sections of their respiratory systems based on the aerodynamic diameter of bacterial particles. Samples were collected twice a week, using by an Andersen cascade impactor during autumn and winter seasons 2018/2019 resulting in a total of 1152 Petri dishes analyzed. The highest average concentration of bacterial aerosol was observed during autumn (1698 ± 663 CFU/m3) in comparison to winter months (723 ± 134 CFU/m3). Respirable doses for children and staff were 2945 and 2441 CFU/day during winter and 5988 and 4964 CFU/day during autumn, respectively. Deposition doses incorporated from empirical models for regional deposition in the respiratory tract showed that children in kindergarten absorb 33% less of bacteria into alveolar region if breath by nose instead of mouth. Additionally, risk assessment results indicate that the hazard indices for children attending kindergartens for 3 years and for staff working 25 years are below 1, suggesting minor risks associated with the inhalation of bioaerosols during autumn and winter. HI was <1, so the non-carcinogenic effects are on an acceptable level, but the indoor/outdoor ratio were 3.5 and 2.4 for autumn and winter, respectively, indicating children's and adult's exposure to bacterial aerosol should be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Brągoszewska
- Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100, Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Anna Mainka
- Department of Air Protection, Silesian University of Technology, 22B Konarskiego St., 44-100, Gliwice, Poland.
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Viegas C, Eriksen E, Gomes B, Dias M, Cervantes R, Pena P, Carolino E, Twarużek M, Caetano LA, Viegas S, Graff P, Afanou AK, Straumfors A. Comprehensive assessment of occupational exposure to microbial contamination in waste sorting facilities from Norway. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1297725. [PMID: 38179569 PMCID: PMC10766354 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1297725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is of upmost importance to contribute to fill the knowledge gap concerning the characterization of the occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting setting (automated and manual sorting). Methods This study intends to apply a comprehensive field sampling and laboratory protocol (culture based-methods and molecular tools), assess fungal azole resistance, as well as to elucidate on potential exposure related health effects (cytotoxicity analyses). Skin-biota samples (eSwabs) were performed on workers and controls to identify other exposure routes. Results In personal filter samples the guidelines in one automated industry surpassed the guidelines for fungi. Seasonal influence on viable microbial contamination including fungi with reduced susceptibility to the tested azoles was observed, besides the observed reduced susceptibility of pathogens of critical priority (Mucorales and Fusarium sp.). Aspergillus sections with potential toxigenic effect and with clinical relevance were also detected in all the sampling methods. Discussion The results regarding skin-biota in both controls´ and workers´ hands claim attention for the possible exposure due to hand to face/mouth contact. This study allowed concluding that working in automated and manual waste sorting plants imply high exposure to microbial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elke Eriksen
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Bianca Gomes
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- CE3C – Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renata Cervantes
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pena
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.uLisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anne Straumfors
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
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Definition of an Indoor Air Sampling Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Risk Management: Case Study in Kindergartens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127406. [PMID: 35742654 PMCID: PMC9224333 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the last two years, the world has been overwhelmed by SARS-CoV-2. One of the most important ways to prevent the spread of the virus is the control of indoor conditions: from surface hygiene to ventilation. Regarding the indoor environments, monitoring the presence of the virus in the indoor air seems to be promising, since there is strong evidence that airborne transmission through infected droplets and aerosols is its dominant transmission route. So far, few studies report the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air; moreover, the lack of a standard guideline for air monitoring reduces the uniformity of the results and their usefulness in the management of the risk of virus transmission. In this work, starting from a critical analysis of the existing standards and guidelines for indoor air quality, we define a strategy to set-up indoor air sampling plans for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The strategy is then tested through a case study conducted in two kindergartens in the metropolitan city of Milan, in Italy, involving a total of 290 children and 47 teachers from 19 classrooms. The results proved its completeness, effectiveness, and suitability as a key tool in the airborne SARS-CoV-2 infection risk management process. Future research directions are then identified and discussed.
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Beasley DE, Monsur M, Hu J, Dunn RR, Madden AA. The bacterial community of childcare centers: potential implications for microbial dispersal and child exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:8. [PMID: 35246271 PMCID: PMC8895594 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00404-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial communities within built environments reflect differences in sources of bacteria, building design, and environmental contexts. These communities impact the health of their occupants in many ways. Children interact with the built environment differently than do adults as a result of their unique behaviors, size, and developmental status. Consequently, understanding the broader bacterial community to which children are exposed will help inform public health efforts and contribute to our growing understanding of the bacterial community associated with childcare centers. METHODS We sampled childcare centers to survey the variation in bacterial community composition across five surfaces found inside and outside twelve classrooms and six centers using 16S rRNA marker gene amplicon sequencing. We then correlated these bacterial community analyses of surfaces with environmental and demographic measures of illumination and classroom occupant density. RESULTS The childcare environment was dominated by human-associated bacteria with modest input from outdoor sources. Though the bacterial communities of individual childcare centers differed, there was a greater difference in the bacterial community within a classroom than among centers. Surface habitats-fomites-within the classroom, did not differ in community composition despite differing proximity to likely sources of bacteria, and possible environmental filters, such as light. Bacterial communities did correlate with occupant density and differed significantly between high and low usage surfaces. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest built environments inhabited by young children are similar to functionally equivalent built environments inhabited by adults, despite the different way young children engage with their environment. Ultimately, these results will be useful when further interrogating microbial dispersal and human exposure to microorganisms in built environments that specifically cater to young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Beasley
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, 37403, USA.
| | - M Monsur
- College of Design, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - J Hu
- College of Design, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - R R Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - A A Madden
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
- The Microbe Institute, Everett, MA, 02149, USA
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Indoor Air Quality in Healthcare and Care Facilities: Chemical Pollutants and Microbiological Contaminants. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12101337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The indoor air quality of healthcare and care facilities is poorly studied. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the chemical pollution and the microbiological contaminations of the indoor environment of these facilities. Methods: A wide range of chemical compounds (39 volatile and 13 semi-volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, fine particulate matter) and microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) were studied. Sampling campaigns were conducted in two French cities in summer 2018 and winter 2019 in six private healthcare facilities (general practitioner’s offices, dental offices, pharmacies) and four care facilities (nursing homes). Results: The highest median concentrations of chemical compounds (μg/m3) were measured for alcohols (ethanol: 378.9 and isopropanol: 23.6), ketones (acetone: 18.8), aldehydes (formaldehyde: 11.4 and acetaldehyde: 6.5) and terpenes (limonene: 4.3). The median concentration of PM2.5 was 9.0 µg/m3. The main bacteria of these indoor environments were Staphylococcus, Micrococcus and Bacillus genera, with median bacterial concentrations in the indoor air of 14 cfu/m3. The two major fungal genera were Cladosporium and Penicillium, with median fungal concentrations of 7 cfu/m3. Conclusions: Indoor air in healthcare and care facilities contains a complex mixture of many pollutants found in higher concentrations compared to the indoor air in French hospitals in a previous study.
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Kumar P, Kausar MA, Singh AB, Singh R. Biological contaminants in the indoor air environment and their impacts on human health. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2021; 14:1723-1736. [PMID: 34394766 PMCID: PMC8346343 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-021-00978-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air environment contains a complex mixture of biological contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, insects, and their by-products such as endotoxins, mycotoxins, volatile organic compounds, etc. Biological contaminants have been categorized according to whether they are allergenic, infectious, capable of inducing toxic or inflammatory responses in human beings. At present, there is a lack of awareness about biological contamination in the indoor environment and their potential sources for the spreading of various infections. Therefore, this review article examines the association of biological contaminants with human health, and it will also provide in-depth knowledge of various biological contaminants present in different places such as residential areas, hospitals, offices, schools, etc. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative data of bio-contaminants in various indoor environments such as schools, hospitals, residential houses, etc. have also been derived from the recent literature survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Ashok Vihar III, Delhi-52, India
| | - Mohd. Adnan Kausar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - A. B. Singh
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi University Campus, Delhi-07, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Ashok Vihar III, Delhi-52, India
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Microbiological Aerosol, Particulate Matter Concentrations and Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus spp. in the Premises of Poland’s Oldest Agricultural School. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12080934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosol, particulate matter concentration and antibiotic resistance of airborne Staphylococcus was assessed in animal and public premises (classroom, sports hall, horse stable, cowshed, newborn calf shed and outdoor background control site) of Poland’s oldest agricultural school. The concentration and size distribution of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and staphylococci were assessed with a six stage Andersen impactor. Particulate matter (PM10, PM4, PM2.5 and PM1) was determined using the DustTrak aerosol monitor. The Staphylococcus species were determined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and antimicrobial resistance was assessed using disk diffusion. Bioaerosol concentrations differed significantly between sampling points, with the highest levels of all microorganisms occurring in the newborn calf shed. The proportion of respirable fraction exceeded 60% in all sites, indicating potential harmfulness to exposed people. Mean concentrations of particulate matter were the smallest in school rooms and the highest in the newborn calf shed. Neither particulate matter nor microbial aerosol exceeded threshold values for workplaces. Among thirty-four isolated staphylococcal strains, S. equorum (35%), S. succinus (26%) and S. xylosus (15%) were the most prevalent. Resistance to macrolides (erythromycin) and lincosamides (clindamycin) was the most frequent. One strain was methicillin-resistant. Farm animals are significant sources of bioaerosol and therefore attention should be paid with respect to maintaining appropriate sanitary conditions and hygiene of premises and animals.
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Kumar P, Singh AB, Singh R. Seasonal variation and size distribution in the airborne indoor microbial concentration of residential houses in Delhi and its impact on health. AEROBIOLOGIA 2021; 37:719-732. [PMID: 34248257 PMCID: PMC8254435 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-021-09718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of microbial agents in the air of indoor dwellings is associated with effects on respiratory and general health. The current study was conducted in the urban area of Delhi Metropolis for the seasonal quantitative assessment of viable microbial indoor air quality. Bioaerosol measurement was conducted by using Anderson six stage impactor with cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1, and 0.65 µm) throughout the all the seasons (April 2019 to March 2020). Meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity were measured to check their effect on microbial survival. Air quality index data of the sampling area were recorded by DPCC air quality monitoring system, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. The highest (1654 ± 876.87 CFU/m3) and lowest (738 ± 443.59 CFU/m3) mean bacterial concentration in houses was recorded in August and December, respectively. Similarly, the highest fungal concentration (1275 ± 645.22 CFU/m3) was found in August and the lowest in (776 ± 462.46 CFU/m3) in January. Bacterial respirable fraction shows an irregular pattern in different seasons. In the case of fungi, the respirable fraction of 2.1 and 1.1 contributes more than 60% of total culturable bioaerosols in all seasons. Bacterial genera including Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, and Streptobacillus were most dominant, and Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria were the most dominant fungal genera observed indoors. The results of this study suggest that higher respirable fungal fraction might penetrate deeper into the lungs and cause various health effects. A higher concentration of bioaerosols in outdoor areas than indoor shows that the source of indoor bioaerosols is outdoor air. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10453-021-09718-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - A. B. Singh
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi University Campus, Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Azaglo GSK, Khogali M, Hann K, Pwamang JA, Appoh E, Appah-Sampong E, Agyarkwa MAK, Fiati C, Kudjawu J, Hedidor GK, Akumwena A, Timire C, Tweya H, Opintan JA, Harries AD. Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Ambient Air in Accra, Ghana, February 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030110. [PMID: 34201909 PMCID: PMC8293412 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ambient air. There is no published information about the presence and resistance profiles of bacteria in ambient air in Ghana. We evaluated the presence and antibiotic resistance profiles of selected bacterial, environmental and meteorological characteristics and airborne bacterial counts in 12 active air quality monitoring sites (seven roadside, two industrial and three residential) in Accra in February 2020. Roadside sites had the highest median temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and PM10 concentrations, and median airborne bacterial counts in roadside sites (115,000 CFU/m3) were higher compared with industrial (35,150 CFU/m3) and residential sites (1210 CFU/m3). Bacillus species were isolated in all samples and none were antibiotic resistant. There were, however, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, non-hemolytic Streptococci, Coliforms and Staphylococci species, of which six (50%) showed mono-resistance or multidrug resistance to four antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone). There was a positive correlation between PM10 concentrations and airborne bacterial counts (rs = 0.72), but no correlations were found between PM10 concentrations and the pathogenic bacteria nor their antibiotic resistance. We call for the expansion of surveillance of ambient air to other cities of Ghana to obtain nationally representative information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfred Saviour Kudjo Azaglo
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries Post Office, P.O. Box MB 326, Accra, Ghana; (J.A.P.); (E.A.); (E.A.-S.); (M.A.-K.A.); (C.F.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +233-244057607
| | - Mohammed Khogali
- Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization (WHO), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Katrina Hann
- Sustainable Health Systems, Lumley Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone;
| | - John Alexis Pwamang
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries Post Office, P.O. Box MB 326, Accra, Ghana; (J.A.P.); (E.A.); (E.A.-S.); (M.A.-K.A.); (C.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Emmanuel Appoh
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries Post Office, P.O. Box MB 326, Accra, Ghana; (J.A.P.); (E.A.); (E.A.-S.); (M.A.-K.A.); (C.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Ebenezer Appah-Sampong
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries Post Office, P.O. Box MB 326, Accra, Ghana; (J.A.P.); (E.A.); (E.A.-S.); (M.A.-K.A.); (C.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Meldon Ansah-Koi Agyarkwa
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries Post Office, P.O. Box MB 326, Accra, Ghana; (J.A.P.); (E.A.); (E.A.-S.); (M.A.-K.A.); (C.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Carl Fiati
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries Post Office, P.O. Box MB 326, Accra, Ghana; (J.A.P.); (E.A.); (E.A.-S.); (M.A.-K.A.); (C.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Jewel Kudjawu
- Environmental Protection Agency, Ministries Post Office, P.O. Box MB 326, Accra, Ghana; (J.A.P.); (E.A.); (E.A.-S.); (M.A.-K.A.); (C.F.); (J.K.)
| | - George Kwesi Hedidor
- World Health Organization Country Office, P.O. Box MB 142, Roman Ridge, Accra, Ghana;
| | - Amos Akumwena
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; (A.A.); (J.A.O.)
| | - Collins Timire
- Ministry of Health, P.O. Box CY 1122, Harare, Zimbabwe;
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Hannock Tweya
- The Lighthouse Trust, P.O. Box 106, Lilongwe, Malawi;
| | - Japheth A. Opintan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; (A.A.); (J.A.O.)
| | - Anthony D. Harries
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 75006 Paris, France;
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Bioaerosol Contribution to Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Indoor University Environments. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13031149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Within the framework of the project “Integrated Evaluation of Indoor Particulate Exposure”, we carried out a 4-week field study to determine indoor bioaerosol, and its contribution to particulate matter (PM)10 and organic matter. The study was carried out in university classrooms, where most of the common indoor sources of atmospheric particles are missing. Bioaerosol was determined by a method based on propidium iodide staining, observation by fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis. Indoor bioaerosol concentrations were compared with outdoor values, which were determined simultaneously. The samplings periods were scheduled to divide weekday hours, when the students were inside, from night-time hours and weekends. Very high bioaerosol concentrations were detected inside the classrooms with respect to outdoor values. The mean difference was 49 μg/m3 when the students were inside, 5.4 μg/m3 during the night, and it became negative during the weekends. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios were 6.0, 4.2, and 0.7, respectively. Bioaerosol contributed 26% to organics and 10% to PM10. In indoor samples collected during the day, the microscope images showed numerous skin fragments, which were mostly responsible for the increase in the bioaerosol mass. People’s presence proved to be responsible for a significant increase in bioaerosol concentration in crowded indoor environments.
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Stefanović O, Radosavljević J, Kosanić M. Microbiological indoor air quality in faculty's rooms: Risks on students' health. KRAGUJEVAC JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/kgjsci2143063s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study deals with a quantitative and qualitative analysis of indoor airborne microbiota and estimation of microbiological quality of indoor air in faculty's rooms during the summer semester of 2017/18 school year. The concentration of bacteria was significantly higher than the concentration of fungi. The species that belong to human skin microbiota or of environmental origin were identified. According to indoor air quality breakpoints, low to medium/high level of bacterial and fungal air contaminations was noticed.
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Grzyb J, Pawlak K. Impact of bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic parameters on animal welfare in Chorzów (Poland) zoological garden. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:3318-3330. [PMID: 32914308 PMCID: PMC7788024 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10680-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Zoos are very popular facilities visited by entire families with children, who come there to watch live animals. Zoos also provide workplaces for a large number of people directly looking after the animals. For places designed to house animals, regardless of whether they are farm animals, pets, or zoo animals, a higher concentration of both dust and potentially harmful bioaerosols can be expected. Unfortunately, there are almost no studies concerning the concentration of bacterial bioaerosols and particulate matter in animal shelters that would answer the question whether the level of these pollutants is constant or variable and dependent on a particular zoo, group of animals, their number in enclosures, or season. This study aimed to assess the levels of bacterial aerosol in rooms intended for animals (giraffes, camels, elephants, kangaroos, and colobinae) in the Silesian Zoological Garden in Chorzów (Poland). The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne bacteria. Particulate matter (PM10) was assessed using an electronic dust meter. Measurements of microclimate parameters were carried out using the Airflow™ Instruments Velocity Meter TA440, while gas concentrations were determined applying GFG Microtector II G450. The results showed that the concentration of airborne bacteria varied significantly between facilities for the analyzed animal groups. The lowest concentration of the total bacterial aerosol was observed in enclosures for colobinae (approx. 850 CFU/m3), while the highest-in rooms for elephants (approx. 105,600 CFU/m3). The average share of respirable fraction of bacteria was quite high, with values ranging from 62.9 (colobinae) to 86.9% (elephants), indicating potential harmfulness to the health of exposed people. PM10 concentrations were relatively low (10-86 μg/m3) and did not exceed the limit values for occupational exposure. Moreover, the levels of bacterial bioaerosol in almost all cases did not exceed the limit values. As the animals constitute a significant source of bioaerosol, attention should be paid to thorough cleaning of animals and their shelters, as well as maintaining appropriate levels of microclimate parameters in the facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Grzyb
- Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Ave 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Pawlak
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicza Ave 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
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Diversity of Bioaerosols in Selected Rooms of Two Schools and Antibiotic Resistance of Isolated Staphylococcal Strains (Bydgoszcz, Poland): A Case Study. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11101105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study is aimed at evaluating microbiological air pollution in libraries, cafeterias and selected classrooms of two schools in Bydgoszcz city, northern Poland and determining the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcal strains isolated from the indoor air. One of the investigated schools (School A) is located in the very center of the city, in the vicinity of a park, among old houses and stone-lined streets, while the other (School B), among modern residential buildings, close to a street with heavy traffic. In each school, air samples were collected in the morning, always from all three sampling sites, using the MAS-100 sampler. Selective growth media were used for bacteria and mold isolation and quantifying analysis. The antibiotic resistance of the isolated mannitol-positive staphylococci was assessed using the disc diffusion method in accordance with EUCAST recommendations. The highest mean concentration of heterotrophic bacteria was recorded in the cafeterias: 884 CFU m−3 in School A and 1906 CFU m−3 in School B. Molds were the most abundant in the library and cafeteria in School B, where their average concentration exceeded 300 CFU m−3. Cladosporium and Penicillium species prevailed, while Fusarium, Acremonium and Aspergillus were less abundant. Airborne mannitol-positive staphylococci were recorded at low concentrations, ranging from 6 to 11 CFU m−3 on average. According to the taxonomic analysis, Staphylococcus aureus isolates were the most abundant in both schools, followed by S. xylosus, S. haemolyticus and S. saprophyticus. The antibiograms indicated that resistance to erythromycin was common in 62.5% of the isolated staphylococcal strains. Levofloxacin and gentamicin were the most effective antibiotics. No multidrug-resistant strains were identified.
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Microbiological Air Quality in a Highschool Gym Located in an Urban Area of Southern Poland—Preliminary Research. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11080797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of regular exercise include improved physical and mental health. The school gym is a particular micro-environment where students perform intensive physical training. The question is if there is an increased risk of microbiological contamination. This preliminary work studied the exposure of students to bacterial aerosol (BA) in a highschool gym located in an urban area of Southern Poland. A sampling of BA was undertaken with an Andersen six-stage impactor (ANDI). BA was identified using API (analytical profile index) tests. The BA concentrations were expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU) per cubic metre of air. The results showed that before gym classes (BGC), the concentration of BA was 4.20 × 102 ± 49.19 CFU/m3, while during gym classes (DGC), the level of BA more than doubled (8.75 × 102 ± 121.39 CFU/m3). There was also an increase in the respirable fraction of BA (particles less than 3.3 µm). Before the start of the sports activities, respirable fraction accounted for 30% of the BA, while during physical education classes, this share increased to over 80%. Identification of BA species showed that the dominant group of bacteria in the indoor air of the gym BGC was Gram-positive rods (61%) and for DGC it was Gram-positive cocci (81%). We detected that one bacteria strain (Corynebacterium striatum) was classified into risk group 2 (RG2) according to Directive 2000/54/EC. Additionally, multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) showed that among the isolated airborne bacteria, the highest antibiotic resistance was demonstrated by Staphylococcus epidermis (isolated DGC) and Pseudomonas sp. (isolated BGC). The quantitative and qualitative information on microbiological air quality (MIAQ) in the school gym indicates that the actions to improve indoor physical activity spaces are recommended.
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Microbiological Air Quality and Drug Resistance in Airborne Bacteria Isolated from a Waste Sorting Plant Located in Poland-A Case Study. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020202. [PMID: 32023994 PMCID: PMC7074821 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
International interests in biological air pollutants have increased rapidly to broaden the pool of knowledge on their identification and health impacts (e.g., infectious, respiratory diseases and allergies). Antibiotic resistance and its wider implications present us with a growing healthcare crisis, and an increased understanding of antibiotic-resistant bacteria populations should enable better interpretation of bioaerosol exposure found in the air. Waste sorting plant (WSP) activities are a source of occupational bacterial exposures that are associated with many health disorders. The objectives of this study were (a) to assess bacterial air quality (BAQ) in two cabins of a WSP: preliminary manual sorting cabin (PSP) and purification manual sorting cabin (quality control) (QCSP), (b) determine the particle size distribution (PSD) of bacterial aerosol (BA) in PSP, QCSP, and in the outdoor air (OUT), and (c) determine the antibiotic resistance of isolated strains of bacteria. Bacterial strains were identified on a Biolog GEN III (Biolog, Hayward, CA, USA), and disc diffusion method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to the Kirby–Bauer Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Test Protocol. A large share of fecal bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis and Alcaligenes faecalis spp. feacalis, was found in the tested indoor air, which is a potential health hazard to the workers of the monitored WSP. Our results demonstrate the necessity to take into account fecal air pollution levels to avoid making erroneous assumptions regarding the environmental selection of antibiotic resistance. Total elimination of many anthropogenic sources is not possible, but important findings of this study can be used to develop realistic management policies methods to improve BAQ.
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Thermal Comfort Evaluation Using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13030538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The thermal sensations of people differ from each other, even if they are in the same thermal conditions. The research was carried out in a didactic teaching room located in the building of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Poland. Tests on the temperature were carried out simultaneously with questionnaire surveys. The purpose of the survey was to define sensations regarding the thermal comfort of people in the same room, in different conditions of internal and external temperatures. In total 333 questionnaires were analyzed. After the discriminant and neural analyses it was found that it is not possible to forecast the thermal comfort assessment in the room based on the analyzed variables: gender, indoor air temperature, external wall radiant temperature, and outdoor air temperature. The thermal comfort assessments of men and women were similar and overlapped. The results of this study confirm that under the same thermal conditions about 85% of respondents assess thermal comfort as good, and about 15% of respondents assess thermal comfort as bad. The test results presented in this article are similar to the results of tests carried out by other authors in other climatic conditions.
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Piriyakarnsakul S, Takarada K, Heab KE, Nasu M, Hata M, Furuuchi M. Optimal fluorescent-dye staining time for the real-time detection of microbes: a study of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 128:1694-1702. [PMID: 31925843 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To provide information on the time-dependent behaviour of microbe staining by fluorescent dyes in the order of seconds, which is important in terms of the recent rapid and online techniques for microbe measurements and/or environmental microbe analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS For combinations of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and typical dyes, including DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and Auramine-O, a suspension of yeast cells in ultrapure water was injected into a dye solution in a micro cuvette placed inside a spectrofluorometer and the fluorescence intensity of the resulting solution was measured at 1 s intervals, starting immediately after the mixing and continued until the time for the maximum intensity using various concentrations of yeast and dyes. The relaxation time τ, which corresponds to ~63·2% of the maximum fluorescence intensity, was shown to decrease to below 1 s with increasing DAPI concentration, whereas it remained constant for 2-3 s with increasing Auramine-O concentration, for example at a yeast concentration of 100 µg ml-1 . CONCLUSIONS For the conditions of yeast >10 µg ml-1 , DAPI >1 µg ml-1 and Auramine-O >0·1 µg ml-1 , τ could be adjusted to below 5 s to achieve a rapid and stable staining. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Design and operating conditions for rapid and online measurements of microbes can be optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Piriyakarnsakul
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - K Takarada
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - K E Heab
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - M Nasu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - M Hata
- Faculty of Geoscience and Civil Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - M Furuuchi
- Faculty of Geoscience and Civil Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
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The Dose of Fungal Aerosol Inhaled by Workers in a Waste-Sorting Plant in Poland: A Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010177. [PMID: 31881797 PMCID: PMC6982232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosol monitoring is a rapidly emerging area in the context of work environments because microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution and plays an important role in certain infectious diseases and allergies. However, as yet, relatively little is known about inhaled doses of microorganisms in workplaces. Today, the important issue of social concern is due to waste management, transport, sorting, and processing of wastes and their environmental impact and effects on public health. In fact, waste management activities can have numerous adverse effects on human wellbeing. Health effects are generally linked to exposure (EX), defined as the concentration of a contaminant and the length of time a person is exposed to this concentration. Dose is an effective tool for evaluating the quantity of a contaminant that actually crosses the body’s boundaries and influences the goal tissue. This document presents an analysis of the fungal waste-sorting plant EX dose (FWSPED) inhaled by workers in a waste-sorting plant (WSP) in Poland in March 2019. The main purpose of this research was to assess FWSPED inhaled by workers in two cabins at the WSP: the preliminary manual sorting cabin (PSP) and the purification manual sorting cabin (quality control; QSP). It was found that the FWSPED inhaled by workers was 193 CFU/kg in the PSP and 185 CFU/kg in the QSP. Fungal particles were quantitatively evaluated and qualitatively identified by the GEN III Biolog system. During the research, it was found that isolates belonging to the Aspergilus flavus and Penicillum chrysogenum strains were detected most frequently in the WSP. The total elimination of many anthropogenic sources is not possible, but the important findings of this research can be used to develop realistic management policies and methods to improve the biological air quality of WSPs for effective protection of WSP workers.
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Efficiency and Eco-Costs of Air Purifiers in Terms of Improving Microbiological Indoor Air Quality in Dwellings—A Case Study. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos10120742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution, a by-product of economic growth, generates an enormous environmental cost in Poland. The issue of healthy living spaces and indoor air quality (IAQ) is a global concern because people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. An increasingly popular method to improve IAQ is to use air purifiers (APs). Indoor air is often polluted by bioaerosols (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi), which are a major concern for public health. This work presents research on culturable bacterial aerosol (CBA) samples collected from dwellings with or without active APs during the 2019 summer season. The CBA samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor (ACI). The CBA concentrations were expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU) per cubic metre of air. The average concentration of CBA in dwellings when the AP was active was 450–570 CFU/m3, whereas the average concentration when the AP was not active was 920–1000 CFU/m3. IAQ, when the APs were active, was on average almost 50% better than in cases where there were no procedures to decrease the concentration of air pollutants. Moreover, the obtained results of the particle size distribution (PSD) of CBA indicate that the use of APs reduced the proportion of the respirable fraction (the particles < 3.3 µm) by about 16%. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to assess the ecological cost of air purification. Our conceptual approach addresses the impact of indoor air pollution on human health and estimates the ecological cost of APs and air pollution prevention policies.
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Morakinyo OM, Mokgobu MI, Mukhola MS, Godobedzha T. Biological Composition of Respirable Particulate Matter in an Industrial Vicinity in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16040629. [PMID: 30795513 PMCID: PMC6406656 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern that exposure to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) with biological composition (bioaerosols) may play a key role in the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in humans. This study determined the bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 and their inhalation health risks in an industrial vicinity in South Africa. Samples of PM2.5 collected on a 47-mm glass fiber filter during winter and summer months were analysed for bacterial and fungal content using standard methods. The health risks from inhalation of bioaerosols were done by estimating the age-specific dose rate. The concentration of bacteria (168⁻378 CFU/m³) was higher than fungi (58⁻155 CFU/m³). Bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 were lower in winter than in the summer season. Bacteria identified in summer were similar to those identified in winter: Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Flavobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Moreover, the fungal floras identified include Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. Children inhaled a higher dose of bacterial and fungal aerosols than adults. Bacteria and fungi are part of the bioaerosol components of PM2.5. Bioaerosol exposure may present additional health risks for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyewale Mayowa Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria.
| | - Matlou Ingrid Mokgobu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Murembiwa Stanley Mukhola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Tshifhiwa Godobedzha
- Air Quality Management, Environment and Agriculture Management Department, City of Tshwane Municipality Private Bag 440, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Andualem Z, Gizaw Z, Bogale L, Dagne H. Indoor bacterial load and its correlation to physical indoor air quality parameters in public primary schools. Multidiscip Respir Med 2019; 14:2. [PMID: 30680192 PMCID: PMC6343310 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-018-0167-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor indoor air quality is a great problem in schools due to a high number of students per classroom, insufficient outside air supply, poor construction and maintenance of school buildings. Bacteria in the indoor air environment pose a serious health problem. Determination of bacterial load in the indoor environment is necessary to estimate the health hazard and to create standards for indoor air quality control. This is especially important in such densely populated facilities like schools. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 51 randomly selected classrooms of eight public primary schools from March 29–April 26, 2018. To determine the bacterial load passive air sampling settle plate method was used by exposing a Petri dish of blood agar media for an hour. The Pearson correlation matrix was employed to assess the correlation between bacterial load and physical parameters. Results The grand total mean bacterial load was 2826.35 CFU/m3 in the morning and 4514.63 CFU/m3 in the afternoon. The lowest and highest mean bacterial load was recorded at school 3 (450.67 CFU/m3) and school 5 (7740.57 CFU/m3) in the morning and afternoon, respectively. In the morning relative humidity (r = − 0.7034), PM2.5 (r = 0.5723) and PM10 (r = 0.6856); in the afternoon temperature (r = 0.3838), relative humidity (r = − 0.4014) were correlated with indoor bacterial load. Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and Bacillus species were among isolated bacteria. Conclusions High bacterial load was found in public primary schools in the Gondar city as compared to different indoor air biological standards. Temperature, relative humidity and particulate matter concentration (PM2.5 and PM10) were associated with the indoor bacterial load. Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and Bacillus species were among isolated bacterial species. Attention should be given to control those physical factors which favour the growth and multiplication of bacteria in the indoor environment of classrooms to safeguard the health of students and teachers in school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewudu Andualem
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Laekemariam Bogale
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Indoor Air Quality and Potential Health Risk Impacts of Exposure to Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in an Office Rooms in Southern Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15112604. [PMID: 30469413 PMCID: PMC6267043 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this article are to characterize: the quantity of culturable bacterial aerosol (QCBA) and the quality of culturable bacterial aerosol (QlCBA) in an office building in Southern Poland during the spring. The average concentration of culturable bacterial aerosol (CCBA) in this building ranged from 424 CFU m-3 to 821 CFU m-3, below Polish proposals for threshold limit values. Size distributions were unimodal, with a peak of particle bacterial aerodynamic diameters less than 3.3 μm, increasing potentially adverse health effects due to their inhalation. The spring office exposure dose (SPED) of bacterial aerosol was estimated. The highest value of SPED was in April (218 CFU kg-1), whereas the lowest was in June (113 CFU kg-1). Analysis was undertaken to determine the antibiotic resistance of isolated strains and their ability to form biofilms, which may facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. In the course of the study, it was found that Staphylococcus xylosus had the greatest ability to form biofilms, while the strains with the highest antibiotic resistance were Micrococcus luteus D and Macrococcus equipercicus. Given that mainly antibiotic-sensitive bacteria from bioaerosol were isolated, which transfers resistance genes to their plasmids, this shows the need for increased monitoring of indoor air quality in workplaces.
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Tsybulya N, Fedorenko E, Gribkova L. Ecological and Phytosanitary Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality in Preschool Institutions of Novosibirsk. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20181100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Special assortment of plants demonstrating high antimicrobial activity was tested in the play rooms of kindergartens in Novosibirsk. Preliminary laboratory experiments revealed universal activity of these plant species against test objects: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans. Microbial pollution of air in the play rooms of 12 kindergartens in Novosibirsk was monitored taking into account the presence or absence of plants in the rooms. The dynamics of microbial pollution of the rooms was studied: the composition and number of colonyforming units per 1 m3 (CFU/m3), the fractions of opportunistic pathogenic microfrlora (staphylococcus, enterobacteria). The plants with the leaf area 1.5-3.0 m2 per 100 m3 of the room volume caused a significant effect of volatile exo-metabolites: a decrease in total microbial pollution, a decrease in the number of opportunistic staphylococci and enterobacteria by a factor of 1.5-3.5, and in some cases a decrease in the number of saprophitic bacteria of Sarcina genus. Results of the investigation may be recommended for wide application in order to optimize the indoor conditions of kindergartens.
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Fershalova T, Baikova E, Ushakova A. Application of phytoncidal plants for improvement of ecological parameters of the air of library interiors. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20181100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The results of the experiments on optimization of library room air with the help of the biological method are presented. Living tropical plants, volatile biologically active substances of which possess distinct antimicrobic properties are used for air sanitation. Their influence on change of the qualitative and quantitative microorganism composition in the air is shown. After plant placement the total number of colonies forming units (CFU) decreases by 3 times, that of staphylococcus – by 4.5 times. Air humidity increases insignificantly reaching the low limit of the comfort range for a person.
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