Active Air Sampling Research Articles

Correlation between a real-time bioparticle detection device and a traditional microbiological active air sampler monitoring air quality in an operating room during elective arthroplasty surgery: a prospective feasibility study.

The standard method for controlling operating room (OR) air quality is measuring bacteria-carrying particles per volume unit of air: colony forming units (CFU/m3). The result takes at least 2 days after sampling. Another method is real-time measurements of fluorescing bioparticles per unit volume of air (FBP/dm3). We aimed to compare simultaneous measurements of FBP/50 dm3and CFU/m3during ongoing arthroplasty surgery. 18 arthroplasties were performed in a modern OR with turbulent mixed airflow ventilation. The sampling heads of a BioAerosol Monitoring System (BAMS) and a microbiological active air sampler (Sartorius MD8 Air Sampler) were placed next to each other, and 6 parallel 10-minute registrations of FBP/50 dm3and CFU/m3were performed for each surgery. Parallel measurements were plotted against each other, Passing-Bablok nonparametric linear regression was performed, and the Spearman correlation coefficient (r) was calculated. The rbetween FBP ≥ 3 μm/50 dm3and CFU/m3sampled for 96 x 10-minute intervals, was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.79). In the 25th percentile with the lowest 10-minute FBP ≥ 3μm/50 dm3, there were no CFU measurements with ≥ 10 and 4% with ≥ 5 CFU/m3. In the 75th percentile with the highest 10-minute FBP ≥ 3 μm/50 dm3, there were 58% CFU measurements with ≥ 10 and 88% with ≥ 5 CFU/m3. Therbetween FBP ≥ 3 μm/50 dm3and CFU/m3means sampled during 18 operations was 0.87 (CI 0.68-0.95). Low FBP ≥ 3 μm/50 dm3measured by BAMS indicates low CFU/m3; conversely, high FBP ≥ 3 μm/50 dm3indicates high CFU/m3. Real-time measurements of FBP ≥ 3 μm/50 dm3can be used as a supplement to CFU/m3monitoring OR air bacterial load.

Investigating triclopyr vapor and particle drift in roadside settings

AbstractTriclopyr is a synthetic auxin herbicide widely used to manage roadside vegetation due to its effective, selective, and prolonged action on broadleaf species, as well as its low toxicity to humans and animals. However, if triclopyr drifts from the roadside into agricultural lands, it can result in injury and yield loss of sensitive crops. The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify particle and vapor drift of triclopyr as influenced by formulation, season, and nozzle type under roadside conditions. Field studies were conducted on a roadside located along Interstate 540 in Morrisville, NC, in 2022 and 2023. Triclopyr amine and choline were applied at 3363 g a.e. ha−1 using Boominator and Nutating nozzles. Active air samplers were used to collect vapor drift within 48 h after application, while deposit cards were used to collect particle drift 10 min after application. Triclopyr vapor concentration peaked within the first 24 h after application, with the concentration of triclopyr amine being 29% higher than triclopyr choline during this period. Additionally, vapor concentrations of triclopyr were higher during spring and summer compared to fall and winter. No differences in triclopyr particle deposit and drift distance were observed between formulation and nozzle type. Triclopyr was detected at very low levels (< 2% of field rate) within 3 m from the treated area. This study provides valuable insight into triclopyr volatilization, emphasizing temporal, formulation, and seasonal variations, while also addressing the consistency in particle drift between triclopyr formulations and nozzle types.

Evaluation of Passive Silicone Samplers Compared to Active Sampling Methods for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons During Fire Training.

Firefighters are occupationally exposed to many chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are formed by the incomplete combustion of organic matter during fire response and training activities. However, due to the harsh environments in which firefighters work, as well as consideration for time and physical safety while wearing bulky equipment, traditional active sampling methods may not be feasible to measure PAH exposures. Silicone passive samplers offer an alternative approach to assess exposure during fire responses and live fire training due to their heat resistance and ease of deployment in remote or time-limited environments. In this study, the primary objective was to investigate and determine the statistical strength of the relationship between active air sampling methods and passive silicone samplers for PAHs. In this study, silicone wristbands were paired with active sampling devices in a series of burn experiments to compare PAH measurements. Silicone-based measurements correlated strongly with active air samples for the dominant PAHs found, naphthalene and phenanthrene; however, detection was limited in the wristbands when air concentrations were low in active samples. In situations where PAH levels are expected to be high and the potential for contaminant loss via off-gassing is low, silicone samplers may be a useful tool for industrial hygienists to measure PAHs in fire and other emergency responses in extreme environments.

Scant Evidence for Long-Range Atmospheric Transport of Particle-Bound Benzotriazole Ultraviolet Stabilizers.

Despite benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BT-UVs) being widely used since the 1960s, few empirical data on their atmospheric presence exist. UV-328 was added to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, based in part on model calculations indicating atmospheric long-range transport potential. We investigated the atmospheric occurrence of BT-UVs at multiple sites that differ greatly in their proximity to potential sources. UV-P, UV-328, UV-234, UV-326, UV-329, and UV-327 were quantified in active air samples collected in suburban Toronto, on Saturna Island in the Salish Sea, at Point Petre on Lake Ontario, and in Alert, Nunavut, as well as in XAD-resin based passive air samplers deployed at sites in British Columbia and Quebec. As the most volatile BT-UV, UV-P was present in the gas phase across all sampling locations, with higher concentrations in urban areas. The five less volatile BT-UVs were present only in active air samples from suburban Toronto and were not found above detection limits (0.03-1.7 pg·m-3) anywhere else. Empirical evidence thus does not support model predictions of long-range atmospheric transport of particle-bound BT-UVs. Predictions based on simple model calculations should be supported by empirical data if they are to be used as the basis for regulatory decisions.

Metataxonomics study of dental bioaerosols affected by waterline disinfection

BackgroundMicroorganisms in dental unit water (DUW) play a significant role in dental bioaerosols. If the methods used to decontaminate DUW also help improve air quality in dental clinics is worth exploring. In this study, we aim to identify the source of bacteria in dental bioaerosols and investigate the impact of waterline disinfectants on the quantity and composition of bacteria in DUW and bioaerosols.MethodsTwo dental chair units in a separate treatment room are installed with two different waterline decontamination systems, a plasma or iodine cartridge. The experiment was performed in two phases, before and after installing the decontamination systems. Aerosol is generated via running airotor in the subject’s mouth. Before and after the procedure, the air samples were collected with an active air sampling machine onto agar plate and filter paper for genomic DNA extraction. The subject’s saliva and DUW samples were also collected. The samples were analyzed further with bacterial counting and metataxonomics analysis.ResultsThe bacteria present in the air sample after the aerosol-generating procedure were confirmed to be derived from the air-before, saliva, and DUW in 51.43%, 6.38%, and 18.60%, respectively. The saliva samples demonstrated the highest alpha diversity (within the sample), whereas the air samples had the least. Both waterline disinfectants effectively controlled bacteria in DUW but did not affect the bacterial number and composition in the air.ConclusionsDental bioaerosols are composed of bacteria from saliva and DUW. Plasma and iodine showed a trend in controlling bacterial contamination in DUW but did not alter the bacterial count and composition in dental bioaerosols.

Microplastics in Urban Ambient Air: A Rapid Review of Active Sampling and Analytical Methods for Human Risk Assessment

This study conducted a rapid review to evaluate active air sampling and analytical methods for characterizing outdoor air microplastics in urban areas. We synthesized information from 35 peer-reviewed journal articles. Studies utilizing active sampling methods were able to provide detailed data on inhalation concentrations and doses. The analytical techniques reviewed were categorized into microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mass spectrometry, including pyrolysis–gas chromatography (Py-GC). While conventional FTIR and Raman spectroscopy can identify microplastics in total suspended particles, advanced instruments such as µRaman and SEM are crucial for analyzing inhalable microplastics (e.g., particles smaller than 10 µm). Characterizing the shapes and colours of microplastics can provide qualitative estimates of their sources, with fibres and the colour black being the most predominant characteristics. Establishing dose–response relationships for health effects requires quantitative analyses; thus, combining techniques like µRaman with Py-GC is essential for comprehensive human risk assessments. Future studies should focus on identifying and quantifying inhalable microplastic compounds that are relevant to human health.

Temporal and spatial distribution of novel brominated flame retardants in atmosphere of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

Temporal and spatial distribution of novel brominated flame retardants in atmosphere of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

Atmospheric concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their emissions at a waste recycling facility producing refuse-derived paper and plastics densified fuel

Atmospheric concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their emissions at a waste recycling facility producing refuse-derived paper and plastics densified fuel

Influence of Field Sampling Methods on Measuring Volatile Organic Compounds in a Swine Facility Using SUMMA Canisters

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a crucial role in emission control, being one of the most important sources of odor while also serving as significant precursors to secondary organic aerosols and ozone formation. Appropriate sampling methods are essential for accurately assessing the concentration and composition of VOCs within swine barns. In this study, the effects of both passive air sampling and active air sampling on VOCs were evaluated, and the influence of storage time on the VOC stability in sampling canisters for both methods was investigated. SUMMA canisters, which are electropolished and passivated with silanization, offer excellent corrosion protection and resistance to high pressure and temperature and were used in this study. The predominant component categories prevailing within the pig house were found to be oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), with ethanol emerging as the most abundant component of VOCs detected. Notably, the statistical analysis results revealed no significant differences between passive and active sampling regarding the impact of storage time on substance concentration. Changes in canister pressure also did not significantly affect substance stability. The results showed that the C2–C3 compounds remained relatively stable, especially within 3 days, with recoveries above 80% within 20 days. Methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and ethanol were more stable within the first week, but their recoveries significantly dropped by day 20, with methyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide at 62.3% and 65.3%, respectively. This study contributes to the development of a foundation for selecting appropriate VOC sampling methods in swine facilities for conducting a rational analysis of VOC samples.

Strategija za ocjenjivanje učinka formaldehida u anatomskom patološkom laboratoriju treći dio

To date, formaldehyde (FA) is one of the more common chemicals and its use is widespread around the world in different sectors, especially in chemical facilities and health care. FA is widely used in working activities owing to its chemical and physical properties. However, it also represents a concerning hazard for the workers’ health due to its toxicity and recognized carcinogenicity. The FA exposure evaluation in occupational setting has arisen interest in the scientific community that leads to the development of several analytical instruments in order to assess both long term and short-term exposure. The paper presents and discusses an equivalence tests procedure via the 2.4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-active air sampling formaldehyde (FA) reference method and two non-reference instruments based on continuous, direct reading monitoring, namely ProCeas® (AP2E) and NEMo XT (Ethera). The FA standard atmosphere calibration system was used to check the reference method by Pearson’s test. Subsequently, the Passing-Bablok test was carried out between the non-reference methods and the DNPH method for potential systematic or proportional errors, and finally the Bland-Altman plot was applied to determine the mean bias and the variances of the recorded values by the reference and non-reference methods in on-field sampling. The results showed a good correlation between the non-references method and the DNPH ones, suggesting their possible applications in heterogeneous occupational scenarios.

Environmental Fungal Contamination Characterization of Three Inpatient Units Utilizing Optimized Detection Methods

Background: Environmental sampling and detection methods for fungi in healthcare settings are not well-established. We previously refined methods for fungal sampling and detection in a controlled laboratory environment and aimed to validate them in a real-world healthcare setting. Methods: We performed a microbiological analysis of air and surfaces in three inpatient units at a tertiary care center. Surface samples were obtained with foam sponges from 3 locations in patient rooms (Patient bedrails, bathroom floor, HVAC export) and 5 locations in units (HVAC exports 3x, clean linen storage, soiled linen storage). Air samples were taken with an active air sampler directly below HVAC exports. Sponges were processed using the stomacher technique. Samples underwent DNA extraction followed by qPCR with FungiQuant primers targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Amplicons from positive samples were sequenced (NextSeq 1000, 300bp PE) and SmartGene databases were used to interpret sequence data. For comparison to culture methods, samples were also plated onto Sabouraud and HardyCHROM Candida + auris medias. Fungal growth underwent DNA extraction, 18S PCR and Sanger sequencing for genus and species identification. Results: A total of 85 samples were obtained, from 15 patient rooms and three units resulting in 61 surface and 24 air samples. Patients in study rooms had a median age of 53, 9 (60%) were male, and no patients had an invasive fungal infection during their hospital encounter. 44 (53%) and 39 (46%) samples were positive for fungi via qPCR and culture, respectively. Of the 44 positive qPCR samples, microbiome analyses identified at least one fungi to the species, genus and family levels in 43 (98%), 28 (64%), 18 (41%) samples, respectively (Table 1). 114 total isolates were identified of which the most common were Mallassezia restricta (30 [26%]), Malassezia globose (29 [25%]), and Pennicillium paradoxum (4 [4%]). 39 genera were identified of which the most common were Mucor (19 [49%]) and Candida (8 [21%]). Of the 39 culture positive samples, 90 total isolates were recovered. The most common species were Paradendryphiella arenariae (19 [21%]), Aspergillus niger (12 [13%]) and Penicillium commune (12 [13%]). Conclusion: These results demonstrate the presence of diverse fungal species in both air and surface samples across inpatient units. Higher sensitivity was noted utilizing qPCR, however, identified genera and species were markedly different between qPCR and culture methods. Larger studies are needed to assess the efficacy of qPCR for fungal detection in the healthcare environment.

Validation of cheap axial passive sampler and procedure suitable for atmospheric NO2 community-based monitoring

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an air pollutant highly impacting on human health, and its measurement is crucial for air quality assessment. Use of passive samplers for long-term large-scale monitoring is a reasonably reliable and economic alternative to more sophisticated and expensive equipment employed in active air sampling by environmental control authorities. In recent years the Citizen Science approach, based on low-cost devices, is spreading more and more in environmental control. Passive samplers available on the market (like the consolidated “Palmes” tubes) are often used in community-based monitoring campaigns. We describe validation of a new cheap axial diffusion tube for NO2 monitoring, used in combination with a new user-friendly App for smartphone that represents an innovation to speed up recording of geo-localization and exposition period data. Affordability and availability of materials, simple construction protocol and easy App procedure, allow possible self-production by school students and non-expert users, making the proposed tube a potential tool to realize extended Citizen Science monitoring campaigns. Accuracy within 25% and precision within 20%, evidenced in validation, show comparability of the tube performance with Palmes-type tubes and agreement with the official monitoring station results. Two small-scale trial monitoring campaigns, involving high school students, were performed to test the efficacy of the proposed “tube-App” system in combining educational impact and community value of air quality monitoring.

What potential do mosses have as biomonitors of POPs? A comparative study of hexachlorocyclohexane sorption

What potential do mosses have as biomonitors of POPs? A comparative study of hexachlorocyclohexane sorption

A case study on the application of spore sampling for the monitoring of macrofungi.

Fungi play a vital role in ecosystem functioning, yet significant knowledge gaps persist in understanding their diversity and distribution leading to uncertainties about their threat status and extinction risk. This is partly owed to the difficulty of monitoring fungi using traditional fruiting body surveys. The present study evaluates airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling as a monitoring tool with a focus on grassland macrofungi. We applied active and passive air sampling methods, complemented by extensive field surveys of waxcap and clavarioid fungi-species groups of high relevance for conservation. Twenty-nine species were recorded during the field surveys, 19 of which were also detectable by ITS2 metabarcoding of the collected samples. An additional 12 species from the studied genera were identified exclusively in air eDNA. We found that the patterns of species detection and read abundance in air samples reflected the abundance and occurrence of fruiting bodies on the field. Dispersal kernels fitted for the three dominant species predicted rapidly decreasing spore concentrations with increasing distance from fruitbodies. Airborne assemblages were dominated by a high diversity of common species, while rare and threatened red-listed species were under-represented, which underscores the difficulty in detecting rare species, not only in conventional surveys. Considering the benefits and drawbacks of air sampling and fruitbody surveys, we conclude that air sampling serves as a cost- and time-efficient tool to characterize local macrofungal communities, providing the potential to facilitate and improve future fungal monitoring efforts.

Spatial and temporal variations of currently used pesticides (CUPs) concentrations in ambient air in Wallonia, Belgium

Spatial and temporal variations of currently used pesticides (CUPs) concentrations in ambient air in Wallonia, Belgium

Air monitoring by nanopore sequencing.

While the air microbiome and its diversity are essential for human health and ecosystem resilience, comprehensive air microbial diversity monitoring has remained rare, so that little is known about the air microbiome's composition, distribution, or functionality. Here we show that nanopore sequencing-based metagenomics can robustly assess the air microbiome in combination with active air sampling through liquid impingement and tailored computational analysis. We provide fast and portable laboratory and computational approaches for air microbiome profiling, which we leverage to robustly assess the taxonomic composition of the core air microbiome of a controlled greenhouse environment and of a natural outdoor environment. We show that long-read sequencing can resolve species-level annotations and specific ecosystem functions through de novo metagenomic assemblies despite the low amount of fragmented DNA used as an input for nanopore sequencing. We then apply our pipeline to assess the diversity and variability of an urban air microbiome, using Barcelona, Spain, as an example; this randomized experiment gives first insights into the presence of highly stable location-specific air microbiomes within the city's boundaries, and showcases the robust microbial assessments that can be achieved through automatable, fast, and portable nanopore sequencing technology.

Water‐Soluble Inorganic Anions in Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Source Apportionment

Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world. More than 200 air quality index values were recorded in January and February since 2017, indicating that the air quality was unhealthy to very unhealthy. In this work, water‐soluble inorganic anions (WSIAs) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh with a population of around 21 million, were evaluated. Accordingly, PM2.5 was collected using a quartz filter coupled with an active air sampler set in Dhaka University campus, Bangladesh, during February 2023, to analyze WSIAs. The 24‐h average PM2.5 mass, 156 ± 44.8 μg/m3, was almost nine times higher than the WHO limit values of 15.0 μg/m3 and about three times higher than the Bangladesh Department of Environment limits of 65.0 μg/m3. Fluoride, chloride, bromide, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate were among the water‐soluble ions that were determined using ion chromatography. While bromide and nitrite were found to be below the detection limit, the mean concentrations of fluoride, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate were determined to be 0.086 ± 0.010, 2.27 ± 0.332, 10.2 ± 1.29, 2.23 ± 0.424, and 11.0 ± 1.45 μg/m3, respectively. The highest levels of PM2.5 and the relevant anions were determined to be present during February 9‐10, 2023. Sulfate accounted for almost 43% of the anions in the overall PM2.5. According to the results of the statistical analysis, the high concentrations of sulfate and nitrate in PM2.5 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were primarily caused by sulfur‐containing fossil fuels, especially sulfur‐containing diesel, coal, and unfit automobiles, while the main sources of fluoride and chloride were fire retardants, burning of textile, and municipal solid wastes. All of these sources have the ability to produce PM2.5.

Exploration of microplastic concentration in indoor and outdoor air samples: Morphological, polymeric, and elemental analysis

Exploration of microplastic concentration in indoor and outdoor air samples: Morphological, polymeric, and elemental analysis

Observational study on occupational exposure of dairy farmers to formaldehyde

ObjectivesTo provide insights into exposure of Dutch dairy farmers to formaldehyde derived from formalin footbaths used for cows. Dutch safety norms are set at a limit of 0.122 ppm during...

Airborne Pesticides-Deep Diving into Sampling and Analysis.

The escalating utilization of pesticides has led to pronounced environmental contamination, posing a significant threat to agroecosystems. The extensive and persistent global application of these chemicals has been linked to a spectrum of acute and chronic human health concerns. This review paper focuses on the concentrations of airborne pesticides in both indoor and outdoor environments. The collection of diverse pesticide compounds from the atmosphere is examined, with a particular emphasis on active and passive air sampling techniques. Furthermore, a critical evaluation is conducted on the methodologies employed for the extraction and subsequent quantification of airborne pesticides. This analysis takes into consideration the complexities involved in ensuring accurate measurements, highlighting the advancements and limitations of current practices. By synthesizing these aspects, this review aims to foster a more comprehensive and informed comprehension of the intricate dynamics related to the presence and measurement of airborne pesticides. This, in turn, is poised to significantly contribute to the refinement of environmental monitoring strategies and the augmentation of precise risk assessments.