The Study of Some Bioaerosols (Bacteria) Pollution in air of Wastewater Treatment Plant in Warm Months

Abstract

Objective: For identifying bacterial air pollution in the wastewater treatment plants in warm months. Method: The study was conducted at a wastewater treatment plant in Al-Muamira, Governorate of Hila, and five sites within the plant were chosen to collect samples of bioaerosols bacteria by using plates containing mediums used to isolate specific microorganisms. Results: The maximum number of bacteria was observed in June (401.0 CFU/m3) in the aeration chamber and the minimum number of bacteria (10.0 CFU/m3) was in March From 100m distant from the plant. The total percentage of gram-negative bacteria (84.4%) was high than Gram-positive bacteria (15.6%) and the total proportion of Enterobacteriaceae was (54.4%) from gram-negative bacteria. The Enterobacteriaceae isolates from the WWTP's air are (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae sap pneumonia, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae complex, Citrobacter Freunde). There are highly significant differences and a very strong positive correlation between the total number of bacteria in the air and (temperature, wind speed). The presence of signs of contamination from intestinal faces in the air exposes workers to health risks. As a result, we recommend the adoption of sanitary measures like respiratory protection as well as other actions like covering aeration ponds' surfaces. Conclusions: High bacteria air pollution in Aeration chamber can effect on health of workers and climate condition contributed to increasing the number of Bacteria.