A comparative evaluation of bioaerosol emission and particle matter concentration in Urban primary schools

• Published in: International journal of environmental health engineering Vol. 9; no. 1; p. 21
• Main Authors: Mirhoseini, Seyed, Dehdashti, Fatemeh, Mohammadi, Samaneh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mumbai Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.01.2020; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Air quality; Airborne bacteria; Airborne microorganisms; Airborne particulates; Analysis; Bacteria; Bioaerosols; Comparative analysis; Elementary schools; Emission analysis; Fungi; indoor air; Indoor air pollution; Indoor air quality; Indoor environments; Microorganisms; Outdoor air quality; particle mass concentration; Particulate matter; primary school; Relative humidity; Schools; Iran; primary school; indoor air; particle mass concentration; Bioaerosols
• ISSN: 2277-9183; 2277-9183
• DOI: 10.4103/ijehe.ijehe_30_20

Aim: In this study, the levels of indoor and outdoor (I/O) airborne particles and bioaerosols were assessed in two primary schools. Simultaneously, I/O microbial airborne and particle matter (PM) concentrations were analyzed during the autumn of 2018. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 I/O air samples were taken by using a single-stage Andersen sampler from two selected primary schools located in Arak, Iran. Simultaneous with sampling, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity were also measured. Results: The results indicated that the mean levels of indoor airborne bacteria and fungi were 448 and 94 CFU/m3, respectively. The I/O ratios of bacteria and fungi were 2.1 and 0.7, respectively. The airborne bacteria levels showed a weak-positive and moderate-positive association with PM2.5 (r = 0.28, P < 0.05) and PM10 (r = 0.32, P < 0.05), respectively. Further, a moderate-positive association was observed between indoor fungi and the PM2.5 (r = 0.46, P < 0.05) and PM10 (r = 0.30, P < 0.05). In our study, the most fungal species identified were Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus, and Staphylococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. were the most frequently founded indoor bacteria. Conclusion: Comparative analysis of classrooms in two schools showed that indoor sources and building conditions have a key role in indoor air quality.