Abstract
There is a growing concern that exposure to particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) with biological composition (bioaerosols) may play a key role in the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in humans. This study determined the bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 and their inhalation health risks in an industrial vicinity in South Africa. Samples of PM2.5 collected on a 47-mm glass fiber filter during winter and summer months were analysed for bacterial and fungal content using standard methods. The health risks from inhalation of bioaerosols were done by estimating the age-specific dose rate. The concentration of bacteria (168–378 CFU/m3) was higher than fungi (58–155 CFU/m3). Bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 were lower in winter than in the summer season. Bacteria identified in summer were similar to those identified in winter: Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Flavobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Moreover, the fungal floras identified include Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. Children inhaled a higher dose of bacterial and fungal aerosols than adults. Bacteria and fungi are part of the bioaerosol components of PM2.5. Bioaerosol exposure may present additional health risks for children.
Highlights
Urban air quality in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa is quickly deteriorating mainly due to rapid industrial and population growth [1]
In South Africa, limited studies have determined the levels of PM2.5 originating from an industrial area and the possible risks that could occur from human exposure to its biological contents
The dose rate of the bacterial and fungal component associated with PM2.5 was estimated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) model (Equation (1))
Summary
Urban air quality in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa is quickly deteriorating mainly due to rapid industrial and population growth [1]. Bioaerosols are solid or liquid particles carrying living organisms from biological sources, with sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 100 mm in diameter [19,20]. They include fungi, bacteria, viruses, endotoxin and pollens that originate from terrestrial and marine environments during biological processes [21]. In South Africa, limited studies have determined the levels of PM2.5 originating from an industrial area and the possible risks that could occur from human exposure to its biological contents. This study determined the bacterial and fungal concentrations in PM2.5 in an industrial area in Pretoria West, South Africa
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