Characterizing bioaerosols in PM2.5 in a semi-arid region experiencing desert dust events

Abstract

Introduction: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is a global public health concern, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions that experience dust events. Exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with various short- and long-term health effects, which can be attributed to the composition of the fine particles. This study aimed to assess the concentration of bacteria and fungi in PM2.5 in the air of Isfahan, Iran which experiences air pollution.Methods: A total of thirty-nine PM2.5 samples were collected over 1 year. Bacterial and fungal concentrations associated with PM2.5 were measured using both culture-based method and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: The average concentration of PM2.5 was found to be 56 μg m−3, with many samples exceeding the recommended limit of 15 μg m−3 set by the World Health Organization for PM2.5 in ambient air. The mean culturable bacterial and fungal concentrations were 39 and 4 CFU m−3, respectively which showed a significant difference compared to the results obtained through real-time PCR. No significant correlation was found between the levels of bacterial and fungal cells and PM2.5 concentrations. The dominant phyla found in PM2.5 were Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while Proteobacteria as Gram-negative bacteria were rarely detected.Discussion: The findings suggest that the climate conditions in Isfahan, characterized by its semi-arid nature with low humidity content, influences the activity and viability of microbial populations, resulting in low concentrations of bioaerosols in PM2.5. Furthermore, it seems that desert dust events do not contribute to increasing the potential health risks associated with bacterial and fungal bioaerosols in PM2.5.

Inhalable Fungi and Opportunistic Pathogens During Haze and Haze‐Dust Events From Winter to Springtime in One Typical Inland City of Northern China

“…For genomic DNA extraction, the filter was gently cut into pieces with a sterile scissors and placed into a sterile 15 mL centrifuge tube containing 7 mL of phosphate buffer solution with 0.02% Tween 20. The tube was then subjected to ultrasonic bath treatment for 5 min and shaken for 30 min to separate bioaerosols from the surface of the filter (Karimi et al, 2024). To ensure complete separation, the filter washing process was repeated.…”