Short-time dynamic patterns of bioaerosol generation and displacement in an indoor environment

Short-time dynamics and distribution of airborne biological and total particles were assessed in a large university hallway by particle counting using laser particle counters and impaction air samplers. Particle numbers of four different size ranges were determined every 2 minutes over several hours. Bioaerosols (culturable bacteria and fungi determined as colony-forming units) were directly collected every 5 minutes on Petri dishes containing the corresponding growth medium. Results clearly show distinct shorttime dynamics of particulate aerosols, both of biological and non-biological origin. These reproducible periodic patterns are closely related to periods when lectures are held in lecture rooms and the intermissions in between where students are present in the hallway. Peaks of airborne culturable bacteria were observed with a periodicity of 1 hour. Bioaerosol concentrations follow synchronously the variation in total number of particles. These highly reproducible temporal dynamics have to be considered when monitoring indoor environments with respect to air quality