An Assessment of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi in the Female Dormitory Environment: Level, Impact Factors and Dose Rate

Abstract

In this study, the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi were tested in a female dormitory room; the effects of heating, relative humidity and number of occupants on indoor microorganisms were analyzed and the dose rate of exposure to microbes was assessed. The bacterial and fungal concentrations in the room ranged from 100 to several thousand CFU/m3, and the highest counts were observed in the morning (930 ± 1681 CFU/m3). Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. were found in the dormitory. When the heating was on, the total bacterial and fungal counts were lower than when there was no heating. Moreover, statistically significant differences were observed for bacterial concentrations during the morning periods between the times when there was no heating and the times when there was heating. The number of occupants had an obvious positive effect on the total bacterial counts. Moreover, RH had no correlation with the airborne fungi in the dormitory, statistically. Furthermore, the highest dose rate from exposure to bacteria and fungi was observed during sleeping hours. The dose rate from exposure to airborne microorganisms in the dormitory was associated with the activity level in the room. These results helped to elucidate the threat of bioaerosols to the health of female occupants and provide guidance for protective measures.

Bacillus and Aspergillus Prevalence: an Investigation into the Indoor Microbial Quality of Built Environment at the University of Port Harcourt: Nigeria

“…[16] demonstrated a positive correlation between that temperature and microbial diversity of bacteria and fungi in public primary schools. Occupancy contributes to increased microbial diversity as was demonstrated by Zhang et al [35] and Li et al [36] in built environment in public university. Vacation of halls between evening and the next morning allow enough ventilation, which abate the microbial loads.…”