Comparison of surface sampling methods for an extended duration outdoor biological contamination study
Anne M Mikelonis1, Ahmed Abdel-Hady2, Denise Aslett2
1Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, US EPA, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|June 26, 2020
Summary
This study evaluated outdoor Bacillus atrophaeus spore detection using five sampling methods. 37-mm vacuums and sponge sticks showed consistent detection on asphalt and concrete surfaces over time.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax and is a bioterrorism agent.
- Existing sampling methods for Bacillus anthracis are validated for indoor, not outdoor, environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of five surface sampling methods for detecting Bacillus atrophaeus spores, a surrogate for B. anthracis, in outdoor environments over 210 days.
Main Methods:
- Five sampling methods (sponge sticks, 37-mm vacuum filter cassettes, wet vacuums, robotic floor cleaners, grab samples) were tested.
- Bacillus atrophaeus spores were applied to asphalt, concrete, and stainless steel surfaces outdoors.
- Detection and recovery rates were assessed over a 210-day period.
Main Results:
- 37-mm vacuums and sponge sticks consistently detected spores on asphalt through day 37; robots through day 99.
- On concrete, all samplers detected spores through day 210, except sponge sticks (detected through day 99).
- Spore recoveries were higher from concrete than asphalt; no significant difference between 37-mm vacuums and sponge sticks.
Conclusions:
- Sampling method performance varied significantly in outdoor conditions.
- 37-mm vacuum filter cassettes and sponge sticks demonstrated reliable outdoor spore detection.
- Further research is needed to optimize outdoor environmental sampling for Bacillus anthracis.
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