Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Haas, DU; Reinthaler, FF; Wust, C; Skofitsch, G; Degenkolb, T; Marth, E.
Emission of moulds and xerophilic fungi in the immediate surroundings of composting facilities
GEFAHRST REINHALT LUFT. 1999; 59(4): 115-121.
Web of Science
- Führende Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Haas Doris
- Co-Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Marth Egon
- Reinthaler Franz
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- The separation of recyclable material from waste reveals another ecologically beneficial way of recycling - the large-scale composting of biological waste. Organic material is decomposed mainly by bacteria, actinomycetes and mould fungi. Massive development of mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms is necessary for the rotting process. However processing of the rotting material causes massive occurrence of microbes in the ambient aerosol of a composting facility. A number of previous studies have already been indicated the important role of moulds and actinomycetes as potential human and animal pathogens. The focus of the present investigation was on the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of moulds in the aerosol of selected composting facilities. From March 1996 until April 1997 airborne microorganisms were sampled in and around two different composting facilities (open and closed facility) using two Andersen-6-stage viable cascade impactors. Additional control sampling was conducted at five low-load locations. However, no significant variation in the median value for moulds and xerophilic fungi could be recorded in the area of the open facility A (8.0.10(2) and 1.5.10(3) cfu/m(3) air, respectively). The measurements in and around the closed composting facility B showed the highest emissions for moulds and xerophilic lungi near the biofilter (3.9.10(3) and 3.3.10(3) cfu/m(3) air, respectively) and in the area of the postrot (1.4.10(3) and 2.5.10(3) KBE/m(3) air). In contrast to this, the emissions at the low-load locations C were significantly lower compared to facility A and B, respectively. The highest load was recorded for sampling site 1 - an agricultural area (5.9.10(2) cfu/m(3) air for moulds and 5.4.10(2) cfu/m(3) air for xerophilic fungi, respectively). Compared to the low-load locations, the closed composting facility showed a significant amount of medically relevant moulds and actinomycetes, respectively. For an evaluation of the emissions of medically important microorganisms, the main EAA pathogens Saccharopolyspora sp., Thermoactinomyes sp., and Aspergillus fumigatus, should be introduced as indicator-organisms.