Wastewater treatment-associated bioaerosols: an emerging health threat

Komal Jayaswal, Johnson Josalin Christian, Shivam Kapoor, Arti Atulkumar Thanki, Sanket Joshi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Among the various sources of bioaerosols (airborne particles of biological origin), wastewater treatment systems (WWTSs) are receiving worldwide attention. This chapter reviews the characteristics of WWTS-associated bioaerosols, sampling and analysis approaches, possible control mechanisms with associated factors. In particular, the roles of various treatment stages, potential emission stages with enumeration techniques are discussed in this chapter. Literature review revealed that potential locations for bioaerosols emission are mainly those that involve moving mechanisms, high microbial population, hydraulic jumps, mechanical mixing, and sludge handling units. The bioaerosols, emitted from WWTS, mainly contain pathogenic bacteria, fungi, virus, parasites, antibiotic-resistance genes, endotoxins, secreted microbial products, spores, molds, endotoxins, allergens, etc. The possible presence of these multifarious microorganisms in the surrounding air can pose health risks to workers and surrounding communities. Thorough research in this direction can be much helpful in developing appropriate control strategies and better effective surveillance mechanisms for upcoming technologies and/or systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBioaerosols Emission from Anthropogenic Sources
Subtitle of host publicationInfluencing Factors, Microbial Diversity, Epidemiological Threats, and Control Approaches
PublisherElsevier
Pages199-218
Number of pages20
ISBN (Electronic)9780443153198
ISBN (Print)9780443153204
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2023

Keywords

  • aeration
  • bioaerosols control
  • system-associated factors, biological processes
  • Wastewater treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

Cite this