Study of bio-aerosols in a prominent temple in Mumbai City,India |
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Authors: | Shraddha Mehta Priyanka Kambli Kirti Wani Shraddha Tanavde Swapnil Mirgal Varsha Kelkar-Mane |
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Affiliation: | 1. Biotechnology Division, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz-E, Mumbai 400098, Indiashrads.m@gmail.com;3. Biotechnology Division, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz-E, Mumbai 400098, India |
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Abstract: | Numerous health complaints occur with respect to indoor air quality and scanty information is available on the air flora, particularly with respect to bio-aerosols in India. This paper reports a study which examined air quality in a prominent temple in the city of Mumbai. It was found that the indoor microbial load was significantly higher probably because appropriate ventilation systems were lacking. In the festive month of September, the highest bacterial counts (13.98 × 104 CFU/m3) and fungal counts (9.22 × 104 CFU/m3) were observed. Pseudomonas spp. and Aspergillus spp. were found to be predominant in the air microflora sampled. Correlation analysis with meteorological factors such as temperature, relative humidity and wind speed showed that these were non-significant. The study indicated that poor ventilation, number of occupants and their activities in a given area are largely responsible for the variation in microbial loads observed. The data generated underline the question of monitoring crowded areas including places of religious importance. Some remedial measures are suggested. |
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Keywords: | Bio-aerosols Indoor Outdoor Bacterial Fungal Meteorological factors |
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