Effect of ambient air temperature and solar radiation on changes in bacterial and fungal aerosols concentration in the urban environment

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2018 Jun 20;25(2):259-261. doi: 10.26444/aaem/75877. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

Abstract

Bioaerosols are particularly sensitive to sterilization processes due to their biological characteristics. Phenomena occurring in the atmosphere have major influence on airborne bacteria and fungi concentration levels. The presented study evaluates the sterilization properties of ambient air temperature and solar radiation on viable bioaerosols concentration levels in outdoor air in Gliwice, Poland. Assigned were the breakpoints indicating limited stimulation properties of the air temperature, which amounted 7.5°C for bacterial aerosol and 16.5 °C for fungal aerosol. Also revealed was the influence of solar radiation properties on decreasing the bioaerosols concentration levels. Both bacterial and fungal viable aerosol were sensitive to this radiation, although the phenomenon was more effective for airborne bacteria.

Keywords: airborne microorganisms; bioaerosol; solar radiation; sterilization; temperature breakpoint.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / chemistry*
  • Air / analysis
  • Air Microbiology*
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Bacteria / radiation effects
  • Cities
  • Fungi / classification
  • Fungi / genetics
  • Fungi / isolation & purification*
  • Fungi / radiation effects
  • Poland
  • Seasons
  • Sunlight
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Aerosols