The source and transport of bioaerosols in the air: A review

• Published in: Frontiers of environmental science & engineering 2021-06, Vol.15 (3), p.44, Article 44
• Main Authors: Xie, Wenwen, Li, Yanpeng, Bai, Wenyan, Hou, Junli, Ma, Tianfeng, Zeng, Xuelin, Zhang, Liyuan, An, Taicheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air quality; Air quality control; Airborne microorganisms; Atmospheric aerosols; Atmospheric models; Bioaerosol; Bioaerosols; Biogeography; Climate change; Control methods; COVID-19; Diffusion; Disease control; Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Environment and Health; Environmental factors; Environmental impact; Epidemics; Land use; Mathematical models; Microorganisms; Outdoor air quality; Pandemics; Pollen; Public health; Review; Review Article; Reviews; Source identification; Transport processes
• ISSN: 2095-2201; 2095-221X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11783-020-1336-8

* Emission of microbe from local environments is a main source of bioaerosols. * Regional transport is another important source of the bioaerosols. * There are many factors affecting the diffusion and transport of bioaerosols. * Source identification method uncovers the contribution of sources of bioaerosols. Recent pandemic outbreak of the corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised widespread concerns about the importance of the bioaerosols. They are atmospheric aerosol particles of biological origins, mainly including bacteria, fungi, viruses, pollen, and cell debris. Bioaerosols can exert a substantial impact on ecosystems, climate change, air quality, and public health. Here, we review several relevant topics on bioaerosols, including sampling and detection techniques, characterization, effects on health and air quality, and control methods. However, very few studies have focused on the source apportionment and transport of bioaerosols. The knowledge of the sources and transport pathways of bioaerosols is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the role microorganisms play in the atmosphere and control the spread of epidemic diseases associated with them. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the up to date progress on the source characteristics, source identification, and diffusion and transport process of bioaerosols. We intercompare three types of diffusion and transport models, with a special emphasis on a widely used mathematical model. This review also highlights the main factors affecting the source emission and transport process, such as biogeographic regions, land-use types, and environmental factors. Finally, this review outlines future perspectives on bioaerosols.