Investigation into the effects of background particles on Serratia marcescens bioaerosol

• Published in: Building and environment 2024-08, Vol.262, p.111853, Article 111853
• Main Authors: Liu, Zhijian, Li, Haochuan, Chu, Jiaqi, Huang, Zhenzhe, Xiao, Xia, Lin, Chaofan, Shi, Jie, He, Junzhou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Airborne transmission; Background particle; Bactericidal effect; Bioaerosols; Confined space
• ISSN: 0360-1323; 1873-684X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111853

Bioaerosols play a significant role in the transmission of infectious diseases in enclosed spaces. Previous studies have shown that certain background particles can influence bioaerosol concentrations. However, the characteristics of the quantitative effects of these particles are unclear. This study investigates the influence of various background particles and their concentrations on bioaerosol concentrations through decay experiments, complemented by antibacterial assessments of different particle materials. The results showed that the decay rate of bioaerosols increased with an increase in mosquito-repellent smoke concentration. Moreover, the size of bioaerosols increased over time. Different background particles demonstrated varying effects on bioaerosols. The presence of DEHS (Di-Ethyl-Hexyl-Sebacate), NaCl, and NB (nutrient broth) background particles did not significantly alter the decay trends of bioaerosol. DEHS and NaCl did not exert any observable antibacterial effects, whereas mosquito-repellent smoke demonstrated notable bacteriostasis. These findings suggest that the enhanced decay of bioaerosols is likely due to their coagulation and deactivation in the presence of background particles. This study offers insights into the quantitative dynamics influenced by background particles, thereby enriching our understanding of bioaerosol behavior in indoor environments. [Display omitted] •The effects of background concentrations and materials on bioaerosols were explored.•The increased of mosquito-repellent smoke decreased the bioaerosol.•DEHS, NaCl and NB had no obvious bioaerosol decay effect except smoke of incense.•Bioaerosols are more likely to decrease due to coagulation and loss of activity.