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Bioaerosol Concentration at an Outdoor Composting Center
Martha Folmsbee1, Keith A Strevett1
1a Bioenvironmental Engineering and Science Laboratory , School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma , Norman , Oklahoma , USA.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|January 11, 2017
Summary
Compost centers significantly increase airborne microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Sampling revealed a tenfold rise in microbial concentrations at downwind compost sites compared to background levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Air quality assessment
- Occupational health
Background:
- Compost centers are known sources of airborne microorganisms.
- Understanding microbial concentrations is crucial for assessing potential health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare airborne bacterial, fungal, and actinomycete concentrations at a compost center.
- To compare these concentrations to background levels in the surrounding environment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified Andersen Microbial Sampler for air sampling.
- Conducted sampling at three distinct sites within an outdoor compost center and two background locations.
- Measured microbial concentrations as total colony forming units per cubic meter (CFU/m³).
Main Results:
- The downwind compost center site exhibited a significant 10-fold increase in all measured microorganisms (p < 0.05).
- Median concentrations at the downwind site included: total viable bacteria (5059 CFU/m³), Gram-negative bacteria (2023 CFU/m³), fungi (972 CFU/m³), and actinomycetes (2159 CFU/m³).
Conclusions:
- Compost center operations demonstrably elevate airborne microbial loads.
- The downwind location showed the highest microbial concentrations, indicating dispersal patterns.
- Findings highlight the importance of monitoring air quality around composting facilities.
