Bioaerosol generation by raindrops on soil

Joung, Young Soo; Ge, Zhifei; Buie, Cullen

doi:10.1038/ncomms14668

Cited by 200 publications

(155 citation statements)

References 55 publications

(64 reference statements)

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“…We don't know the degree to which these organisms influence cloud formation or precipitation but the relationships likely operate in both directions. Many particles are washed out of the air by rain, though the impact of droplets on surfaces can also yield increases (Joung et al 2017). Indeed these combined effects are known to modify the composition of airborne bacteria, for example observations in Korea indicate that after rainfall the airborne abundance of some families such as Carnobacteriaceae and Clostridiales typically decreased while the non-spore forming Actinobacteria such as the Propionibacteriaceae increased (Jang et al 2017).…”

Section: Ice Formationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forests, atmospheric water and an uncertain future: the new biology of the global water cycle

Sheil

2018

For. Ecosyst.

139

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Theory and evidence indicate that trees and other vegetation influence the atmospheric water-cycle in various ways. These influences are more important, more complex, and more poorly characterised than is widely realised. While there is little doubt that changes in tree cover will impact the water-cycle, the wider consequences remain difficult to predict as the underlying relationships and processes remain poorly characterised. Nonetheless, as forests are vulnerable to human activities, these linked aspects of the water-cycle are also at risk and the potential consequences of large scale forest loss are severe. Here, for non-specialist readers, I review our knowledge of the links between vegetation-cover and climate with a focus on forests and rain (precipitation). I highlight advances, uncertainties and research opportunities. There are significant shortcomings in our understanding of the atmospheric hydrological cycle and of its representation in climate models. A better understanding of the role of vegetation and tree-cover will reduce some of these shortcomings. I outline and illustrate various research themes where these advances may be found. These themes include the biology of evaporation, aerosols and atmospheric motion, as well as the processes that determine monsoons and diurnal precipitation cycles. A novel theory-the 'biotic pump'-suggests that evaporation and condensation can exert a major influence over atmospheric dynamics. This theory explains how high rainfall can be maintained within those continental land-masses that are sufficiently forested. Feedbacks within many of these processes can result in non-linear behaviours and the potential for dramatic changes as a result of forest loss (or gain): for example, switching from a wet to a dry local climate (or visa-versa). Much remains unknown and multiple research disciplines are needed to address this: forest scientists and other biologists have a major role to play. New ideas, methods and data offer opportunities to improve understanding. Expect surprises.

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Section: Ice Formationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forests, atmospheric water and an uncertain future: the new biology of the global water cycle

Sheil

2018

For. Ecosyst.

139

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“…Organisms have been isolated from as high as 77 km (Imshenetsky et al, 1978). Many studies have investigated composition, abundance and variability of PBAs across a variety of ecosystems (Bowers et al, 2011;Cuthbertson et al, 2017;Griffin et al, 2010;Harding et al, 2011;Joung et al, 2017;Pearce et al, 2010). Many studies have investigated composition, abundance and variability of PBAs across a variety of ecosystems (Bowers et al, 2011;Cuthbertson et al, 2017;Griffin et al, 2010;Harding et al, 2011;Joung et al, 2017;Pearce et al, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond the planetary boundary layer: Bacterial and fungal vertical biogeography at Mount Sonnblick, Austria

Els

Baumann‐Stanzer

Larose

et al. 2019

Geography and Environment

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The atmosphere harbours a vast diversity of primary biological aerosols (PBAs) that are subjected to vertical and horizontal dispersal mechanisms that are not fully understood. In addition to size and weight constraints on PBAs to be lifted into the air column, local meteorological features dominate the fate of bioaerosols and their possible inclusion in long‐range transport. For organic particles to be included into long distant dispersal, they have to overcome surface vertical mixing of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) to reach levels of laminar air movement. Hence, the biogeography of PBAs along a vertical distribution through the PBL needed further study. To assess the microbial biodiversity along an altitudinal gradient, air samples were collected between 1,000 and 3,100 m above sea level at Mount Sonnblick in the Austrian Alps. 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer sequencing for bacteria and fungi, respectively, were used to define distinct microbial communities that were separated by the PBL. Up to the top of the PBL, plant‐associated bacteria and fungi were detected and were subjected to limited vertical dispersal due to size‐constraints. This indicates that those communities become aerosolised but were not lifted into higher altitudes. However, a variety of ubiquitous, thermophilic strains that are often identified with heavy dust events and high endurance towards extreme conditions were significantly increased (relative abundance) at higher elevations. The lack of information on vertical dispersal is due to reliance on ground‐based investigations that bias the interpretation of dispersal dynamics. Thus, to understand the mechanisms for near‐ground communities to become airborne and subsequently included in long‐range transport, we recommend investigating meteorological driving forces for an improved biogeographical assessment. Here, we show, for the first time, an assessment of the biogeography of bacterial and fungal assemblages along a vertical alpine air column transect.

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“…Recently, researchers showed that when a rain droplet hits soil, 0.01% of the bacteria on the soil surface are emitted into air as a bioaerosol. 107 Legionella has been shown to persist in soil, 108-110 and it is possible that the bacteria could be aerosolized either through rainfall or wind-induced suspension. Although some of the bacteria in the soil may come from industrial waste or cooling towers, Rowbotham 111 suggested that amoebae in soil might enhance the growth of Legionella .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ten questions concerning the aerosolization and transmission of Legionella in the built environment

Prussin

Schwake

Marr

2017

Building and Environment

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Legionella is a genus of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria responsible for a serious disease known as legionellosis, which is transmitted via inhalation of this pathogen in aerosol form. There are two forms of legionellosis: Legionnaires' disease, which causes pneumonia-like symptoms, and Pontiac fever, which causes influenza-like symptoms. Legionella can be aerosolized from various water sources in the built environment including showers, faucets, hot tubs/swimming pools, cooling towers, and fountains. Incidence of the disease is higher in the summertime, possibly because of increased use of cooling towers for air conditioning systems and differences in water chemistry when outdoor temperatures are higher. Although there have been decades of research related to Legionella transmission, many knowledge gaps remain. While conventional wisdom suggests that showering is an important source of exposure in buildings, existing measurements do not provide strong support for this idea. There has been limited research on the potential for Legionella transmission through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Epidemiological data suggest a large proportion of legionellosis cases go unreported, as most people who are infected do not seek medical attention. Additionally, controlled laboratory studies examining water-to-air transfer and source tracking are still needed. Herein, we discuss ten questions that spotlight current knowledge about Legionella transmission in the built environment, engineering controls that might prevent future disease outbreaks, and future research that is needed to advance understanding of transmission and control of legionellosis.

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Bioaerosol generation by raindrops on soil

Cited by 200 publications

References 55 publications

Forests, atmospheric water and an uncertain future: the new biology of the global water cycle

Forests, atmospheric water and an uncertain future: the new biology of the global water cycle

Beyond the planetary boundary layer: Bacterial and fungal vertical biogeography at Mount Sonnblick, Austria

Ten questions concerning the aerosolization and transmission of Legionella in the built environment

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