Particle size distribution of airborne Aspergillus fumigatus spores emitted from compost using membrane filtration

Deacon, L. J.; Hayes, Enda T; Pankhurst, L. J.; Drew, G. H.; Longhurst, James; Jackson, S.; Liu, Jian; Longhurst, P. J.; Pollard, S. J.T.; Tyrrel, S. F.

Abstract

Information on the particle size distribution of bioaerosols emitted from open air composting operations is valuable in evaluating potential health impacts and is a requirement for improved dispersion simulation modelling. The membrane filter method was used to study the particle size distribution of Aspergillus fumigatus spores in air 50m downwind of a green waste compost screening operation at a commercial facility. The highest concentrations (approximately 8×104CFUm-3) of culturable spores were found on filters with pore diameters in the range 1-2μm which suggests that the majority of spores are emitted as single cells. The findings were compared to published data collected using an Andersen sampler. Results were significantly correlated (p

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Journal: Atmospheric Environment
• Print ISSN: 1352-2310
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 35
• Pages: 5698-5701
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.07.042
• Keywords: bioaerosol, sampling, filtration, Andersen sampler, aspergillus
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1001786
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.07.042