Potential of Bioaerosol Emission in The Green House Laboratory and Research Laboratory at Environmental Engineering Department

Abstract

In several countries in the world 24% of total atmospheric particles and 5% - 10% are suspended atmospheric particles are bioaerosols. In Indonesia, bioaerosol studies are mostly carried out in hospitals and school laboratories. The purpose of this research is to calculate potential bioaerosol emission in the research laboratory of the environmental engineering department. The method used is based on literature survey and observation of lab activities during waste composting. Based on our calculation, the bioaerosol flux emission from green house lab was 4.6 – 6.2 x103 cfu/s for Aspergillus Fumigatus, while for research lab it was 12.45 – 16.65 x 103 cfu/s. The emission flux of mesophilic actinomycetes was even bigger. The distribution of bioaerosol at GreenHouse lab declined at 3 m away, while for research lab it declined about 5 m away from the sources. Based on this study, schedule arrangement for the students in these lab is important to minimize bioaerosol exposure.