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Biosampler Field Collection
Biosampler Field Collection
Biological aerosol samples are collected from a field in Leesburg, Virg., using six biosamplers. Sampling pumps are employed to provide a constant air-sampling rate, and samples are collected at a height of 1.5 meters. Air and biological particles are drawn through the glass inlet, depositing the bioaerosols into a peptone solution. Following sample collection, the numbers of various microbes trapped in the peptone are determined using culture and molecular technique.
Researchers at the University of Arizona's Water Quality Center supported by the National Science Foundation used this assay to obtain data on the biological aerosols generated from the land application of biosolids. In the United States, greater than 60 percent of all biosolids produced are land applied. The process has recently come under intense scrutiny and prior to the University of Arizona work; only a few studies addressed the issue of product of wastewater treatment, which routinely contain pathogenic microorganisms. Biological aerosolized through either human activity such as the land application of biosolids, or through natural activities such as the dispersion of fungal spores.
In the University of Arizona, approximately 350 aerosol samples from ten sites located throughout the United States were collected via the use of the biosamplers. Downwind aerosol samples from biosolids loading, unloading, land application and background operations were collected from all sites. Samples were tested for Heterotrophic bacteria, indicator bacteria, coliphage and pathogenic enteric viruses. In addition, microbial risk analyses were conducted to determine the risk of infection. The study demonstrated that the overall incidence of aerosolized microorganisms from the land application of biosolids and subsequent microbial risks of infection were low. (Date of Image: May 2003)
Credit: The University of Arizona Water Quality Center; photo by John Brooks and Benjamin Tanner
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