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Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass

Author

Listed:
  • Justyna Szulc

    (Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź 90-924, Poland)

  • Anna Otlewska

    (Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź 90-924, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Okrasa

    (Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Łódź 90-133, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Majchrzycka

    (Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Łódź 90-133, Poland)

  • Michael Sulyok

    (Center for Analytical Chemistry, Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Str. 20, Tulln, Vienna (BOKU) 3430, Austria)

  • Beata Gutarowska

    (Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź 90-924, Poland)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial contamination at a plant biomass processing thermal power station (CHP). We found 2.42 × 10 3 CFU/m 3 of bacteria and 1.37 × 10 4 CFU/m 3 of fungi in the air; 2.30 × 10 7 CFU/g of bacteria and 4.46 × 10 5 CFU/g of fungi in the biomass; and 1.61 × 10 2 CFU/cm 2 bacteria and 2.39 × 10 1 CFU/cm 2 fungi in filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Using culture methods, we found 8 genera of mesophilic bacteria and 7 of fungi in the air; 10 genera each of bacteria and fungi in the biomass; and 2 and 5, respectively, on the FFRs. Metagenomic analysis (Illumina MiSeq) revealed the presence of 46 bacterial and 5 fungal genera on the FFRs, including potential pathogens Candida tropicalis , Escherichia coli , Prevotella sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp.). The ability of microorganisms to create a biofilm on the FFRs was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also identified secondary metabolites in the biomass and FFRs, including fumigaclavines, quinocitrinines, sterigmatocistin, and 3-nitropropionic acid, which may be toxic to humans. Due to the presence of potential pathogens and mycotoxins, the level of microbiological contamination at workplaces in CHPs should be monitored.

Suggested Citation

  • Justyna Szulc & Anna Otlewska & Małgorzata Okrasa & Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Michael Sulyok & Beata Gutarowska, 2017. "Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:1:p:99-:d:88400
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Annette C. Rohr & Sharan L. Campleman & Christopher M. Long & Michael K. Peterson & Susan Weatherstone & Will Quick & Ari Lewis, 2015. "Potential Occupational Exposures and Health Risks Associated with Biomass-Based Power Generation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-64, July.
    2. Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Małgorzata Okrasa & Justyna Skóra & Beata Gutarowska, 2016. "Evaluation of the Survivability of Microorganisms Deposited on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices under Varying Conditions of Humidity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Montserrat Alonso-Sardón & Antonio-J Chamorro & Ignacio Hernández-García & Helena Iglesias-de-Sena & Helena Martín-Rodero & Cristian Herrera & Miguel Marcos & José Antonio Mirón-Canelo, 2015. "Association between Occupational Exposure to Wood Dust and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(7), pages 1-16, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Małgorzata Okrasa & Justyna Szulc & Anita Jachowicz & Beata Gutarowska, 2019. "Survival of Microorganisms on Nonwovens Used for the Construction of Filtering Facepiece Respirators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-11, March.
    2. Anita Jachowicz & Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Justyna Szulc & Małgorzata Okrasa & Beata Gutarowska, 2019. "Survival of Microorganisms on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices Used at Agricultural Facilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-19, August.
    3. Alessandra Cincinelli & Tania Martellini, 2017. "Indoor Air Quality and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-5, October.
    4. Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Małgorzata Okrasa & Anita Jachowicz & Justyna Szulc & Beata Gutarowska, 2018. "Microbial Growth on Dust-Loaded Filtering Materials Used for the Protection of Respiratory Tract as a Factor Affecting Filtration Efficiency," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-18, September.
    5. Justyna Szulc & Małgorzata Okrasa & Adriana Nowak & Joanna Nizioł & Tomasz Ruman & Sławomir Kuberski, 2022. "Assessment of Physicochemical, Microbiological and Toxicological Hazards at an Illegal Landfill in Central Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-31, April.
    6. Beata Gutarowska & Justyna Szulc & Adriana Nowak & Anna Otlewska & Małgorzata Okrasa & Anita Jachowicz & Katarzyna Majchrzycka, 2018. "Dust at Various Workplaces—Microbiological and Toxicological Threats," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-19, April.

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