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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Exposure to airborne fungi during sorting of recyclable plastics in waste treatment facilities
Kristýna Černá1, Zdeňka Wittlingerová2, Magdaléna Zimová2
1Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic (Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Applied Ecology). cernakristyna@fzp.czu.cz.
Background:
In working environment of waste treatment facilities, employees are exposed to high concentrations of airborne microorganisms. Fungi constitute an essential part of them. This study aims at evaluating the diurnal variation in concentrations and species composition of the fungal contamination in 2 plastic waste sorting facilities in different seasons.
Material And Methods:
Air samples from the 2 sorting facilities were collected through the membrane filters method on 4 different types of cultivation media. Isolated fungi were classified to genera or species by using a light microscopy.
Results:
Overall, the highest concentrations of airborne fungi were recorded in summer (9.1×103-9.0×105 colony-forming units (CFU)/m3), while the lowest ones in winter (2.7×103-2.9×105 CFU/m3). The concentration increased from the beginning of the work shift and reached a plateau after 6-7 h of the sorting. The most frequently isolated airborne fungi were those of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus. The turnover of fungal species between seasons was relatively high as well as changes in the number of detected species, but potentially toxigenic and allergenic fungi were detected in both facilities during all seasons.
Conclusions:
Generally, high concentrations of airborne fungi were detected in the working environment of plastic waste sorting facilities, which raises the question of health risk taken by the employees. Based on our results, the use of protective equipment by employees is recommended and preventive measures should be introduced into the working environment of waste sorting facilities to reduce health risk for employees. Med Pr 2017;68(1):1-9.
Insights
Airborne fungal concentrations are high in plastic waste facilities, varying by season and work shift. Potentially harmful fungi like Penicillium and Aspergillus are present year-round, necessitating protective measures for workers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
Background:
- Waste treatment facilities expose employees to high airborne microorganism concentrations.
- Fungi are a significant component of airborne microorganisms in these environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate diurnal variations in fungal concentration and species composition.
- To assess fungal contamination in two plastic waste sorting facilities across different seasons.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using membrane filters.
- Cultivation on four different media.
- Identification of fungi using light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Highest fungal concentrations observed in summer, lowest in winter.
- Fungal counts peaked after 6-7 hours of work shifts.
- Penicillium and Aspergillus were the most common genera; potentially toxigenic/allergenic fungi were detected year-round.
Conclusions:
- High airborne fungal levels in plastic waste facilities pose a health risk to employees.
- Use of personal protective equipment and implementation of preventive measures are recommended.
- Further research into specific health impacts and mitigation strategies is warranted.
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