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Bioaerosol Contribution to Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Indoor University Environments

Author

Listed:
  • Francesca Marcovecchio

    (C.N.R. Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo St., 00015 Rome, Italy)

  • Cinzia Perrino

    (C.N.R. Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo St., 00015 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Within the framework of the project “Integrated Evaluation of Indoor Particulate Exposure”, we carried out a 4-week field study to determine indoor bioaerosol, and its contribution to particulate matter (PM) 10 and organic matter. The study was carried out in university classrooms, where most of the common indoor sources of atmospheric particles are missing. Bioaerosol was determined by a method based on propidium iodide staining, observation by fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis. Indoor bioaerosol concentrations were compared with outdoor values, which were determined simultaneously. The samplings periods were scheduled to divide weekday hours, when the students were inside, from night-time hours and weekends. Very high bioaerosol concentrations were detected inside the classrooms with respect to outdoor values. The mean difference was 49 μg/m 3 when the students were inside, 5.4 μg/m 3 during the night, and it became negative during the weekends. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios were 6.0, 4.2, and 0.7, respectively. Bioaerosol contributed 26% to organics and 10% to PM 10 . In indoor samples collected during the day, the microscope images showed numerous skin fragments, which were mostly responsible for the increase in the bioaerosol mass. People’s presence proved to be responsible for a significant increase in bioaerosol concentration in crowded indoor environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Marcovecchio & Cinzia Perrino, 2021. "Bioaerosol Contribution to Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Indoor University Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:3:p:1149-:d:485423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Armando Pelliccioni & Paolo Monti & Giorgio Cattani & Fabio Boccuni & Marco Cacciani & Silvia Canepari & Pasquale Capone & Maria Catrambone & Mariacarmela Cusano & Maria Concetta D’Ovidio & Antonella , 2020. "Integrated Evaluation of Indoor Particulate Exposure: The VIEPI Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-25, November.
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    1. Fabio Boccuni & Riccardo Ferrante & Francesca Tombolini & Sergio Iavicoli & Armando Pelliccioni, 2021. "Relationship between Indoor High Frequency Size Distribution of Ultrafine Particles and Their Metrics in a University Site," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-15, May.
    2. Luca Tofful & Maria Catrambone & Marco Giusto & Salvatore Pareti & Elena Rantica & Tiziana Sargolini & Silvia Canepari & Maria Agostina Frezzini & Lorenzo Massimi & Martina Ristorini & Armando Pellicc, 2021. "Seasonal Variations in the Chemical Composition of Indoor and Outdoor PM 10 in University Classrooms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-19, February.

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