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Climate factors influencing bacterial count in background air samples
Roy M Harrison1, Alan M Jones, Peter D E Biggins
1School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. r.m.harrison@bham.ac.uk
International Journal of Biometeorology
|August 4, 2004
Summary
Total bacterial counts in the UK are influenced by temperature, with inland sites showing decreased numbers with higher wind speeds. Bacillus and Pseudomonas were dominant bacterial genera identified using PCR techniques.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Atmospheric science
Background:
- Understanding bacterial populations in diverse environments is crucial.
- Climatic factors significantly influence microbial distribution and abundance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between total bacterial numbers and climatic factors (temperature, wind speed, wind direction) across four UK sites.
- To identify predominant bacterial genera using PCR techniques and assess seasonal variations.
Main Methods:
- Total bacterial counts were determined at four UK sites over four seasons.
- Bacterial data were analyzed against temperature, wind speed, and wind direction.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques were employed for bacterial identification.
Main Results:
- Temperature significantly affected bacterial numbers at all sites, correlating with bacterial growth rates.
- Inland sites showed decreased bacterial counts with increasing wind speed, suggesting a large area source.
- Bacillus and Pseudomonas were identified as dominant bacterial genera, with greater diversity observed at the coastal site.
Conclusions:
- Climatic factors, particularly temperature and wind, play a significant role in regulating total bacterial numbers in the atmosphere.
- Bacterial community composition varies seasonally and geographically, with distinct genera dominating different environments.