Scholarly record
SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF THE AIR MICROFLORA IN SOFIA: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AND THE CONCENTRATION OF FINE PARTICULATE MATTER (PM)
Abstract
The present study aims to track the seasonal dynamics of airborne microorganisms on the territory of Sofia, Bulgaria in relation to the dynamics of fine particulate matter (FPM). Seven sampling points were selected from which sampling was carried out in seasonal dynamics. A laboratory Spin Air sampler was used as 1 m3 of air was passed through the apparatus. For the purpose of the study, the total number of microorganisms was established, as well as the quantity of the main microbiological groups. Isolation of pure cultures and subsequent DNA sequencing were performed in order to determine the most common microbial species in the individual selected points. In order to analyze the potential relationship between the abundance of microorganisms and the dynamics of microbial communities, basic air parameters were recorded - FPM, air temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, UV index. The data show the strong influence of environmental factors on the airborne microbial community and show a certain microbial load during certain seasons, in correlation with the concentration of FPM and other environmental factors.
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References14
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