TITLE:
Microbiological Identification of Atmospheric Particles in Hermosillo, Sonora, México
AUTHORS:
Santos-Romo Alvaro, Sau-Acosta Nancy Janeth, Certucha-Barragán María Teresa, Almendáriz-Tapia Francisco Javier, Monge-Amaya Onofre, Hernández-López Jorge, Zepeda-Ibarra Joel
KEYWORDS:
Air Pollution, Airborne Particles, Bacteria
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.5 No.5,
April
18,
2014
ABSTRACT: The air
quality in many cities has been deteriorating and affecting population’s
health. Airborne particles can block the defense mechanisms of respiratory
system and may lead biological elements such as pollen, bacteria, fungi and
viruses into the lungs. This paper presents the study of biologically
contaminated air in the city of Hermosillo, analyzing filters containing
particulate matter with a diameter equal or less than 10 micrometers (PM10)
and Total Suspended Particles (TSP). Three sampling periods were analyzed
during 2011. Samples taken from the filters were placed in tubes containing
nutritive broth BHI (Brain Heart Infusion) and incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours.
The identification of the isolated microorganisms was done by a biochemical
test recommended in Bergey’s Manual. Results showed a high bacteria
concentration in the presence of microorganisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae sub pneumoniae, Citrobacter, Enterococcus
faecalis, Proteus penneri, Butiauxellaagrestis, Salmonella paratyphi A and Enterobacter sacazakii. When bacterial
concentration was analyzed separately, the lowest number of bacteria was
observed during February for the south location and in August for the north
location. The highest degree of bacterial air pollution was found in the
central area of the city.