Health Hazards of occupational exposure to airborne biological pollutants on workers in Wastewater treatment plant

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are many evidences that workers in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) occupationally exposed to high concentrations of biological air pollutants. Aim of the present study was determination of the common airborne microorganism in a WWTP, and it`s health impacts on occupational exposure workers. METHODS: Air samples were collected from various locations in a selected WWTP. Airborne bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique. Airborne fungi were studied macroscopically and complete identification of fungal isolates were performed by 18S rRNA gene sequencing method. Health risks associated with biological airborne pollutants were estimated based on occupational and medical questionnaires for the workers from the selected WWTP. Pulmonary function test was also done for the included workers. PCR identification of fungi were done for the sputum and blood samples of the workers. RESULTS:A total of 32 bacterial isolates were collected, sequencing identified 25 different bacterial types. Ten out of the 25 different strains were pathogenic. The frequency of infectious diseases related to the identified bacteria among the workers will be presented in details in the presentation. For airborne fungi, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus japonicus were the most hazardous fungi detected in the air samples. The sputum of 43.2% of the workers were positive to Asperigullus nigar. However, Aspergillus fumigatus the hazardous stain for the respiratory system was not detected in the air samples, 18.5% of the sputum samples of the workers were positive for it. While, only 3.5% of the blood samples of the workers were positive for Asperigullus fumigatus, and 35.4% for Asperigullus nigar. About 50% of the workers with obstructive lung disease and 41% of those with combined were positive for Asperigullus nigar. The explanations will be discussed in detail in the presentation. CONCLUSIONS:The results would give alarum about hazards of airborne pathogenic biological pollutants in WWTPs. KEYWORDS: Air Pollution, Airborne bacteria, Airborne Fungi, Exposed workers, Health impacts