Health Risks Associated with Occupational Exposure to Biological Air Pollutants Occurring during the Processing of Biomass for Energy Purposes: A Case Study

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to assess the levels of concentration of biological air pollutants in biomass processing power plants, based on the measurements taken in a plant located in Southern Poland. This work shows problems related to the co-combustion of biomass and indicates the health risks to which employees of positions closely related to the processing and combustion of biomass are exposed. Bacterial and fungal aerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor with aerodynamic cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1 and 0.65 µm (Tisch Environmental, USA). The highest average concentration level of micro-organisms was recorded in the air in the biomass analysis laboratory, where there was no constant airflow. It was found that the concentration levels of biological agents were below the Polish proposals for threshold limit values in the work environment polluted with organic dust. However, it was observed that the share of the respirable fraction (RF) of bacterial aerosol (particles less than 3.3 µm) in workplaces was equal to or higher than 50% of the total concentration, which may cause increased potentially adverse health effects and problems with concentration among power plant employees. Therefore, to ensure adequate air quality in the tested object, it is necessary to properly ventilate. This preliminary research could be the important starting point for a complete and precise assessment of bioaerosol exposures in biomass processing power plants in order to protect workers’ health.

Challenges and opportunities: A case study from a European city shows the influence of biological work on bioaerosol formation from indoor biological wastewater treatment laboratory

“…Furthermore, Soto et al (2009) discovered that in 10 interior settings on a university campus, the concentration of bacterial bioaerosol rose when people were present, suggesting that human activity may be a source of indoor bacterial bioaerosols (Soto et al, 2009). According to our ndings, Bragoszewska et al ( 2021) noted that the biomass analysis laboratory had the greatest average concentration of bacteria and fungi (673 CFU/m 3 and 438 CFU/m 3 , respectively) (Brągoszewska & Pawlak, 2021). We can therefore state that biological sample area is more prone to bioaerosol emission.…”

Torrefaction as a Way to Remove Chlorine and Improve the Energy Properties of Plant Biomass

“…It is usually given in the form of phosphoric acid, acidic calcium phosphate, or sewage sludge with a significant phosphorus content. Aluminosilicates are a group of chemical compounds that help to minimize the risk of high-temperature corrosion in power boilers and devices associated with them [19]. It is important to properly identify areas exposed to chlorine, the appropriate selection of construction materials, and appropriate fuel preparation methods [20].…”