Bioaerosols in the atmosphere: A comprehensive review on detection methods, concentration and influencing factors

Sci Total Environ. 2024 Feb 20:912:168818. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168818. Epub 2023 Nov 28.

Abstract

In the past few decades, especially since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the effects of atmospheric bioaerosols on human health, the environment, and climate have received great attention. To evaluate the impacts of bioaerosols quantitatively, it is crucial to determine the types of bioaerosols in the atmosphere and their spatial-temporal distribution. We provide a concise summary of the online and offline observation strategies employed by the global research community to sample and analyze atmospheric bioaerosols. In addition, the quantitative distribution of bioaerosols is described by considering the atmospheric bioaerosols concentrations at various time scales (daily and seasonal changes, for example), under various weather, and different underlying surfaces. Finally, a comprehensive summary of the reasons for the spatiotemporal distribution of bioaerosols is discussed, including differences in emission sources, the impact process of meteorological factors and environmental factors. This review of information on the latest research progress contributes to the emergence of further observation strategies that determine the quantitative dynamics of public health and ecological effects of bioaerosols.

Keywords: Bioaerosols; Detection technology; Influencing mechanism; Sources; Spatiotemporal variation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / analysis
  • Air Microbiology
  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Atmosphere
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Humans
  • Weather

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Aerosols