Investigation of the Bacterial Bioaerosols in the Air of Wastewater Treatment Plant of Jahanabad Meybod Industrial Town

Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades, with the emergence of new industrial activities and increase production of waste production, industries require the existence of treatment equipment and sanitation. These devices sometimes spread infectious microorganisms into the air. These include waste recycling industries and wastewater treatment plants. Bioaerosols are produced at different stages of the wastewater treatment process, especially in processes such as mobile mechanisms and aeration.
 Methods: In this study, air sampling was performed from different units of the treatment plant and indoor air. the plates were placed in an incubator for 24-48 hours at a temperature of 35 to 37 ° C. Then the number of bacterial colonies grown on the culture media was counted and recorded as CFU/m3.
 Results: The results showed that the average population of bacterial aerosols was higher in summer than in spring. Also, the highest bacterial population was observed in spring in indoor air with an average of 187.58±13.41 CFU/m3 and in summer in a equalization unit with an average of 202.89±12.11 CFU/m3.
 Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the number of bacterial bioaerosols increases in warm seasons. Also, the equalization unit had a high ability to produce bacterial bioaerosols. Finally, It can be said that increasing the distance from the source of contamination causes a significant reduction in the number of bacterial bioaerosols.