Bioaerosol Contribution to Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Indoor University Environments

Francesca Marcovecchio and Cinzia Perrino
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Francesca Marcovecchio: C.N.R. Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo St., 00015 Rome, Italy
Cinzia Perrino: C.N.R. Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo St., 00015 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-14

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/m 3 when the students were inside, 5.4 μg/m 3 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 PM 10 . 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.

Keywords: fluorescence microscopy; air quality; infiltration; organic matter; biological debris; indoor pollution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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