Characteristics of Bacterial and Fungal Aerosol in Gymnasia in China

Abstract

This study attempted to find the typical concentration levels of bacterial and fungal bioaerosol in gymnasia in China. The air samples were collected using the 6-stage Andersen impactor inside and outside of buildings. It was found that the total concentrations of outdoor airborne bacteria and fungi were 342 CFUm–3 and 287 CFUm–3, respectively. The typical levels of bacterial and fungal aerosol indoors were averaged to 901 and 586 CFUm–3 in spectating area, 476 and 245 CFUm–3 in game area, 674 and 402 CFUm–3 in locker room, and 263 and 231 CFUm–3 in office room. The dominant genera identified in gymnasia were Micrococcus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Bacillus spp, and Corynebacterium spp, which amounted to over 80% of the total indoor airborne bacteria. Most frequently occurred indoor fungi were Cladosporium spp, Penicillium spp, Aspergillus spp, and Alternaria spp, constituting over 95% of the total airborne fungi. Bacterial aerosols showed the highest collection rates at F-1 and F-2 stage in the spectating and game areas, F-1, F-2 and F-5 stage in locker rooms, and F-1, F-2, F-4 and F-5 stage in office rooms, while fungal aerosols showed the highest collection rates at F-3 stage in four locations.