Assessment of exposure to fungi in archives and libraries based on analyses of filter and nasal samples: preliminary investigation
AbstractThe aim of this study was to characterize the occupational exposure to inhalable dust and airborne fungi among archive and library workers based on qualitative and quantitative analyses of stationary and personal filter samples as well as nasal swabs. The study was carried out in 3 archives and 2 libraries and involved 9 workers of these institutions. Airborne fungi and inhalable dust samples were collected by stationary and personal measurements using filter samplers. Additionally, the nasal swabs from workers were taken after work-shift and microbiologically analysed. The average concentrations of inhalable dust ...
Source: Aerobiologia - September 23, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
A real-time calibration method for the numerical pollen forecast model COSMO-ART
We present a method to use real-time pollen measurements in numerical pollen forecast models. The main idea is to calibrate model parameterizations and not to assimilate measurements in a nudging sense. This ensures that the positive effect persists throughout the forecast period and does not vanish after a few forecast hours. We propose to adapt in real-time both the model phenology scheme and the overall tuning factor that are present in any numerical pollen forecast model. To test this approach, we used the numerical pollen forecast model COSMO-ART (COnsortium for Small-scale MOdelling-Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases)...
Source: Aerobiologia - September 12, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
Meteorological influences on airborne pollen and spores in Johannesburg (Gauteng), South Africa
We present a daily two-year (August 2019 –July 2021) aerospora assemblage for Johannesburg and explore temporal characteristics of 13 dominant aerospora in relation to daily meteorological variables (pressure, rainfall, relative humidity, temperature and wind characteristics). February–July, July–September and January-July represent high-risk periods for fungal spores [(Alternaria alternata (Fries. ex Keissler), Ascospores,Aspergillus niger (Van Tieghem), Penicillium chrysogenum (Thom),Cladosporium graminum (Corda),Epicoccum nigrum (Link),Helminthosporium solani (Durieu and Montagne)Nigrospora sphaerica (Saccardo ex....
Source: Aerobiologia - September 1, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
The contribution of aphids (Aphidoidea) to atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores
In this study, the effects of seven aphid taxa onAlternaria andCladosporium spore seasons (both pathogenic and allergenic fungi) were analysed on a total of 20-year-long dataset in Kecskem ét (Hungary), Leicester (UK) and Poznań (Poland). Meteorological factors strongly effected both aphid and fungal populations. In most cases, a direct effect of weather on fungal levels were found. Direct effect of two aphid species,Acyrthosiphon pisum andEuceraphis punctipennis, on the atmospheric concentration ofAlternaria spores was identified in Leicester and Pozna ń in June and July respectively. Other aphid species had secondary,...
Source: Aerobiologia - August 22, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
Initial comparison of pollen counting methods using precipitation and ambient air samples and automated artificial intelligence to support national monitoring objectives
AbstractGiven the endemic nature of pollen throughout the environment, the impact upon human health, and the need for more extensive and better measurements of pollen in the USA, a preliminary project within the National Atmospheric Deposition Program ’s (NADP) National Trends Network (NTN) was developed. Pollen was measured in ambient air by several methods and in precipitation wet deposition samples at three monitoring sites in the NTN. A method for counting pollen on filters was developed and provided pollen counts for NADP atmospheric wet-d eposition samples and high-volume ambient air samplers (HVAS) for comparison ...
Source: Aerobiologia - August 9, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
Correction to: Variability between Hirst-type pollen traps is reduced by resistance-free flow adjustment
(Source: Aerobiologia)
Source: Aerobiologia - July 13, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
Assessing bacterial bioaerosol and environmental variables of critical hospitalization units of a tertiary hospital
This study aimed to assess the bacteriological contamination of bioaerosols and the IQA parameters in a tertiary hospital. The study was performed in four specialized critical hospitalization units (Infectious Disease, Clinical Oncology, Burn and Plastic Surgery, and Kidney Transplant) located at a tertiary university hospital before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Air samples were collected by impaction; a single-stage sampler was used to quantify, to isolate, and to identify airborne bacteria. The environmental variables particulate matter concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and relative humidit...
Source: Aerobiologia - July 7, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
Microbial pollution assessment of storage environment for the ancient Buddhist relics in Tibetan Palace Museum
AbstractThis paper focuses on studying the microbiological properties of the Tibetan Palace Museum, which is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and contains a vast collection of cultural heritage artifacts. The air quality of the museum is critical to the preservation of these artifacts, and factors such as microbial species, concentration, and particle size distribution are important indicators of air quality. The paper examines the concentration levels, particle size distribution, species diversity, and correlation between environmental factors and microorganisms in the museum. The study found that the concentration of...
Source: Aerobiologia - July 1, 2023 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research
