Spatiotemporal distribution and the passive dispersal of fungal spores through HVAC systems

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are widely used to regulate indoor temperature and air quality of modern buildings. The central supply and exhaust system cause the dispersal and removal of bioaerosols. This study presents results from ex situ experiments conducted to a better understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution, passive dispersal and removal of fungal spores through HVAC systems. The study was conducted in a 50 square meters by 3 m high instrument room in a research building with HVAC systems. Plates with Aspergillus flavus colony were attached upside down on the edge of the ceiling vent to imitate the mildew growing. Fungal spores were released for 10 min, collected and counted by the settle plate method in 2 h. Results show that A. flavus spores dispersed to 3.6 m in 2 min and were evenly distributed in the room within 8 min. The concentration of spores decreased from 48 to 3–6 CFU/plate after 60 min and was lower than 1% after 120 min. Our results suggest that airborne fungal spores disperse and remove by HVAC systems efficiently. Without the external and internal source, the HVAC system could greatly reduce the fungal amount in the indoor air to the background level within one hour. This study provided the observed data of the transmission and retention of internal or external biological contaminants through HVAC system.

     

Germination dynamics of allergenic fungal spores in respiratory mucus

Aerobiologia - Mucus and body temperature serve as the first lines of defense against invading pathogens. When the inhaled particles are deposited in the nose, the respiratory mucus and body...     

水仙根围细菌群落组成

【目的】探究水仙(Narcissus tazetta var.chinensis roem)土壤根围微生物组成及其与水仙生长特性的相关性。【方法】分别采集崇明水仙及漳州水仙健康植株根围土壤,抽提根围土壤中细菌总DNA并纯化,扩增16S r RNA基因并进行高通量测序分析比较不同产地植株根围细菌的组成与多样性。【结果】崇明水仙和漳州水仙根围微生物组成的主要细菌门类相同,均为12种,其中,优势菌为Proteobacteria、Chloroflexi、Bacteroidetes和Acidobacteria。根围微生物OTUs(Operational taxonomic units)分布及主成分分析(PCA)表明崇明水仙和漳州水仙根围微生物组成有较大差异,且Planctomycetales和Xanthomonadales在崇明水仙根围分布显著多于漳州水仙,而Chloroflexales和Chlorobiales在漳州水仙根围的丰度较高。【结论】根围微生物的组成,如厌氧氨氧化细菌、机会致病菌和光合细菌的多样性与丰度可能与水仙生长特性有密切的关系。