PM2.5 and composition of microbial aerosol from selected biology laboratories in a university building

Nurul Bahiyah Abd Wahid

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Type :	Article
Subject :	Q Science (General)
ISBN :	1823-7010
Main Author :	Nurul Bahiyah Abd Wahid
Additional Authors :	Noraine Salleh Hudin Suzita Ramli Nor Zila Abd Hamid
Title :	PM2.5 and composition of microbial aerosol from selected biology laboratories in a university building
Hits :	223

Place of Production :	Tanjung Malim
Publisher :	Fakulti Sains & Matematik
Year of Publication :	2024
Notes :	Malaysian Journal of Microscopy
Corporate Name :	Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
PDF Full Text :	You have no permission to view this item.

Abstract : Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Laboratories' air quality has an impact on employees' and students_ comfort and health. Particulate matter can be regarded as one of the most important and frequently encountered indoor air pollutants. This study aims to measure the concentrations of PM2.5, total bacterial counts (TBC) and total fungal counts (TFC), as well as the morphological structure of PM2.5 in selected laboratories at Level 2 and 3, Block 2, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, UPSI. The data collection took place in three different laboratories. During the 8-hour sampling session, samples of PM2.5 were collected using a low-volume air sampler (LVS). In addition, airborne microorganisms were collected using a microbial sampler. The morphological structure of PM2.5 was also observed using the Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Results revealed the average concentration of PM2.5 of 0.56 _ 0.24 _gm-3, with Lab A (biochemistry laboratory) exhibited the highest concentration (0.83 _ 0.04 _gm-3), followed by Lab B and C (microbiology laboratory). The mean values of the TBC for these three laboratories was 88.25 _ 7.81 cfu m-3 with the highest TBC recorded from Lab B (125.71 _ 13.86 cfu m-3). However, Lab C showed the highest value of TFC with 42.86 _ 4.58 cfu m-3. FESEM image revealed that the PM2.5 were of different shapes, and forms with morphologies ranging from rounded to prismatic with distinct geometric faces. As a result, the results obtained are in good values and still in the acceptance level. These amenities guarantee that all individuals inside the premises can work in a conducive environment for productivity, benefiting both present and future generations. _ Malaysian Journal of Microscopy (2024). All rights reserved.

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