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Atmosphere
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Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change
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Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Aerosols".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2020) | Viewed by 23998

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. John R. Sodeau

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
Interests: atmospheric chemistry; aerobiology; photochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. David O’Connor

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Interests: bioaerosol monitoring; forecasting; characterization and source determination

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The need to monitor the occurrence, transport and transformation of aerosols in our atmosphere has increased dramatically over recent years. The necessity is based on the undesirable effects that they can have on our health and the role they play in climate change. An important component of the global budget, both outdoors and indoors, are bioaerosols (often termed primary biological atmospheric particles or PBAP). These are comprised of materials such as viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, pollen, sub-pollen, and plant fragments. Therefore, we invite you to consider submitting your research for publication in this Special Issue of the journal, focusing on “Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change”. The aim is to communicate a selection of papers on the current state of field, laboratory and computer modelling studies relevant to atmospheric bioaerosol loading.

Relevant current issues include real-time pollen and fungal spore monitoring and networking systems; the development of novel bioaerosol sensors; indoor sensing for occupational purposes (e.g., hospitals) and “smart” homes; surface phenomena and reactions; the relevance of real-time measurements to ice nucleation, cloud condensation nuclei and other climate change issues; bioaerosol monitoring in the polar regions.

Prof. Dr. John R. Sodeau
Dr. David O’Connor
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pollen
  • fungal spores
  • bacteria
  • real-time detection and analysis
  • climate change
  • health
  • sensor networks
  • surface reactivity

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 4010 KiB  
Article
Detection of Airborne Biological Particles in Indoor Air Using a Real-Time Advanced Morphological Parameter UV-LIF Spectrometer and Gradient Boosting Ensemble Decision Tree Classifiers
by Ian Crawford, David Topping, Martin Gallagher, Elizabeth Forde, Jonathan R. Lloyd, Virginia Foot, Chris Stopford and Paul Kaye
Atmosphere 2020, 11(10), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11101039 - 29 Sep 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3512
Abstract
We present results from a study evaluating the utility of supervised machine learning to classify single particle ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) signatures to investigate airborne primary biological aerosol particle (PBAP) concentrations in a busy, multifunctional building using a Multiparameter Bioaerosol Spectrometer. First we [...] Read more.
We present results from a study evaluating the utility of supervised machine learning to classify single particle ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence (UV-LIF) signatures to investigate airborne primary biological aerosol particle (PBAP) concentrations in a busy, multifunctional building using a Multiparameter Bioaerosol Spectrometer. First we introduce and demonstrate a gradient boosting ensemble decision tree algorithm’s ability to accurately classify laboratory generated PBAP samples into broad taxonomic classes with a high level of accuracy. We then develop a framework to appraise the classification accuracy and performance using the Hellinger distance metric to compare product parameter probability density function similarity; this framework showed that key training classes were sufficiently different in terms of particle fluorescence and morphology to facilitate classification. We also demonstrate the utility of including advanced morphological parameters to minimise inter-class conflation and improve classification confidence, where relying on the fluorescent spectra alone would likely result in misattribution. Finally, we apply these methods to ambient data collected within a large multi-functional building where ambient bacterial- and fungal-like classes were identified to display trends corresponding to human activity; fungal-like classes displayed a consistent diurnal trend with a maximum at midday and hourly peaks correlating to movements within the building; bacteria-like aerosol displayed complex, episodic events during opening hours. All PBAP classes fell to low baseline concentrations when the building was unoccupied overnight and at weekends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change)
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15 pages, 2707 KiB  
Article
The Observation and Characterisation of Fluorescent Bioaerosols Using Real-Time UV-LIF Spectrometry in Hong Kong from June to November 2018
by Douglas Morrison, Jinjian Li, Ian Crawford, Wenwei Che, Michael Flynn, Man Nin Chan, Alexis K. H. Lau, Jimmy C. H. Fung, David Topping, Jianzhen Yu and Martin Gallagher
Atmosphere 2020, 11(9), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11090944 - 04 Sep 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3098
Abstract
Hong Kong is an area of complex topography, with mixtures of urban and greenbelt spaces. Local bioaerosol concentrations are multifaceted, depending on seasonal variations of meteorological conditions and emission sources. This study is the first known attempt at both quantitatively measuring and identifying [...] Read more.
Hong Kong is an area of complex topography, with mixtures of urban and greenbelt spaces. Local bioaerosol concentrations are multifaceted, depending on seasonal variations of meteorological conditions and emission sources. This study is the first known attempt at both quantitatively measuring and identifying airborne bioaerosol contributions, by utilising multiple single particle ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence spectrometers. Based in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s super-site, a WIBS-NEO and PLAIR Rapid-E were operated from June to November, 2018. The purpose of this long-term campaign was to observe the shift in wind patterns and meteorological conditions as the seasons changed, and to investigate how, or if, this impacted on the dispersion and concentrations of bioaerosols in the area. Bioaerosol concentrations based on the particle auto-fluorescence spectra remained low through the summer and autumn months, averaging 4.2 L−1 between June and October. Concentrations were greatest in October, peaking up to 23 L−1. We argued that these concentrations were dominated by dry-weather fungal spores, as evidenced by their spectral profile and relationship with meteorological variables. We discuss potential bioaerosol source regions based on wind-sector cluster analysis and believe that this study paints a picture of bioaerosol emissions in an important region of the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change)
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16 pages, 2091 KiB  
Article
Airborne Bacterial and Eukaryotic Community Structure across the United Kingdom Revealed by High-Throughput Sequencing
by Hokyung Song, Ian Crawford, Jonathan R. Lloyd, Clare H. Robinson, Christopher Boothman, Keith Bower, Martin Gallagher, Grant Allen and David Topping
Atmosphere 2020, 11(8), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11080802 - 29 Jul 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3186
Abstract
Primary biological aerosols often include allergenic and pathogenic microorganisms posing potential risks to human health. Moreover, there are airborne plant and animal pathogens that may have ecological and economic impact. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing techniques (Illumina, MiSeq) targeting the 16S [...] Read more.
Primary biological aerosols often include allergenic and pathogenic microorganisms posing potential risks to human health. Moreover, there are airborne plant and animal pathogens that may have ecological and economic impact. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing techniques (Illumina, MiSeq) targeting the 16S rRNA genes of bacteria and the 18S rRNA genes of eukaryotes, to characterize airborne primary biological aerosols. We used a filtration system on the UK Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) research aircraft to sample a range of primary biological aerosols across southern England overflying surface measurement sites from Chilbolton to Weybourne. We identified 30 to 60 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 108 to 224 eukaryotic OTUs per sample. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified significant numbers of genera that have not been found in atmospheric samples previously or only been described in limited number of atmospheric field studies, which are rather old or published in local journals. This includes the genera Gordonia, Lautropia, and Psychroglaciecola. Some of the bacterial genera found in this study include potential human pathogens, for example, Gordonia, Sphingomonas, Chryseobacterium, Morganella, Fusobacterium, and Streptococcus. 18S rRNA gene sequencing showed Cladosporium to be the major genus in all of the samples, which is a well-known allergen and often found in the atmosphere. There were also genetic signatures of potentially allergenic taxa; for example, Pleosporales, Phoma, and Brassicales. Although there was no significant clustering of bacterial and eukaryotic communities depending on the sampling location, we found meteorological factors explaining significant variations in the community composition. The findings in this study support the application of DNA-based sequencing technologies for atmospheric science studies in combination with complementary spectroscopic and microscopic techniques for improved identification of primary biological aerosols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change)
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10 pages, 505 KiB  
Article
Field Survey on Concentration and Emission of Dust in Different Types of Poultry Houses of South Korea
by Ki Youn Kim and Han Jong Ko
Atmosphere 2020, 11(5), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11050530 - 21 May 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2553
Abstract
The dust generated from poultry houses has an adverse effect on farmers and poultry in terms of hygiene and welfare problems. However, there is little information on concentration and emission of dust derived from poultry houses located in South Korea. An objective of [...] Read more.
The dust generated from poultry houses has an adverse effect on farmers and poultry in terms of hygiene and welfare problems. However, there is little information on concentration and emission of dust derived from poultry houses located in South Korea. An objective of this study is to provide fundamental data regarding particulate matters generated from the poultry houses situated in South Korea. A total 27 poultry houses, including nine broiler houses, nine layer houses, and nine layer houses with feces conveyors were surveyed. Dust was measured by gravimetric methods. Emission of dust was calculated by multiplying the mean concentration (mg/m3) measured at the center of the poultry house by the ventilation rate (m3 h−1). Mean indoor concentrations of total and respirable dust in poultry houses were 4.39 (SD: 2.38) mg/m3 and 2.33 (SD: 2.21) mg/m3, respectively. Mean emission rates based on area and rearing number were estimated as 3.04 (±1.64) mg head−1 h−1 and 57.48 (±24.66) mg m−2 h−1 for total dust and 2.34 (±1.27) mg head−1 h−1 and 26.80 (±10.81) mg m−2 h−1 for respirable dust, respectively. The distribution of total and respirable dust between indoor concentration and emission rate was a similar pattern, regardless of type of poultry house. Among types of poultry house, the broiler house showed the highest levels of indoor concentration and emission rate, followed by the layer house with feces conveyor belt, and the caged layer house. In terms of seasonal aspect, indoor concentrations of total and respirable dust were highest in winter and lowest in summer, and their emission rates were the opposite at all the poultry houses. In spring and autumn, both indoor concentration and emission rate were moderate, and there was no significant difference between spring and autumn. It was assumed that the levels of indoor concentration and emission rate of dust generated from poultry houses were determined mainly by use of bedding material and ventilation rate among various environmental agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change)
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21 pages, 2009 KiB  
Article
Microbial Community Composition Analysis in Spring Aerosols at Urban and Remote Sites over the Tibetan Plateau
by Prakriti Sharma Ghimire, Shichang Kang, Wasim Sajjad, Barkat Ali, Lekhendra Tripathee and Pengfei Chen
Atmosphere 2020, 11(5), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11050527 - 20 May 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3302
Abstract
This study presents features of airborne culturable bacteria and fungi from three different sites (Lanzhou; LZ; 1520 m ASL, Lhasa; LS; 3640 m ASL and Qomolangma; ZF; 4276 m ASL) representing urban (LZ and LS) and remote sites (ZF) over the Tibetan Plateau [...] Read more.
This study presents features of airborne culturable bacteria and fungi from three different sites (Lanzhou; LZ; 1520 m ASL, Lhasa; LS; 3640 m ASL and Qomolangma; ZF; 4276 m ASL) representing urban (LZ and LS) and remote sites (ZF) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Total suspended particle (TSP) samples were collected with an air sampler (Laoying 2030, China) on a quartz filter. Community structures of bacteria and fungi were studied and compared among three different locations. The average levels of bacterial load in the outdoor air ranged from approximately 8.03 × 101 to 3.25 × 102 CFU m–3 (Colony forming unit per m3). However, the average levels of fungal loads ranged from approximately 3.88 × 100 to 1.55 × 101 CFU m−3. Bacterial load was one magnitude higher at urban sites LZ (2.06 × 102–3.25 × 102 CFU m−3) and LS (1.96 × 102–3.23 × 102 CFU m−3) compared to remote sites ZF (8.03 × 101–9.54 × 101 CFU m−3). Similarly, the maximum fungal load was observed in LZ (1.02 × 101–1.55 × 101 CFU m−3) followed by LS (1.03 × 101–1.49 × 101 CFU m−3) and ZF (3.88 × 100–6.26 × 100 CFU m−3). However, the maximum microbial concentration was observed on the same day of the month, corresponding to a high dust storm in Lanzhou during the sampling period. The reported isolates were identified by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes for bacteria and ITS sequences for fungi amplified from directly extracted DNA. Bacterial isolates were mostly associated with Proteobacteria, Eurotiomycetes and Bacillus, whereas fungal isolates were mostly Aspergillus and Alternaria. Overall, this is a pioneer study that provides information about the airborne microbial concentration and composition of three sites over the TP region depending on environmental parameters. This study provided preliminary insight to carry out more advanced and targeted analyses of bioaerosol in the sites presented in the study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change)
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Review

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16 pages, 320 KiB  
Review
A Review on Airborne Microbes: The Characteristics of Sources, Pathogenicity and Geography
by Xueyan Chen, Deepika Kumari and Varenyam Achal
Atmosphere 2020, 11(9), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11090919 - 28 Aug 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7363
Abstract
Microbes are widespread and have been much more studied in recent years. In this review, we describe detailed information on airborne microbes that commonly originate from soil and water through liquid–air and soil–air interface. The common bacteria and fungi in the atmosphere are [...] Read more.
Microbes are widespread and have been much more studied in recent years. In this review, we describe detailed information on airborne microbes that commonly originate from soil and water through liquid–air and soil–air interface. The common bacteria and fungi in the atmosphere are the phyla of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Rozellomycota that include most pathogens leading to several health problems. In addition, the stability of microbial community structure in bioaerosols could be affected by many factors and some special weather conditions like dust events even can transport foreign pathogens to other regions, affecting human health. Such environments are common for a particular place and affect the nature and interaction of airborne microbes with them. For instance, meteorological factors, haze and foggy days greatly influence the concentration and abundance of airborne microbes. However, as microorganisms in the atmosphere are attached on particulate matters (PM), the high concentration of chemical pollutants in PM tends to restrain the growth of microbes, especially gathering atmospheric pollutants in heavy haze days. Moreover, moderate haze concentration and/or common chemical components could provide suitable microenvironments and nutrition for airborne microorganism survival. In summary, the study reviews much information and characteristics of airborne microbes for further study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioaerosol Detection, Analysis and Impacts on Health and Climate Change)
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