Dispersion and Risk Assessment of Bacterial Aerosols Emitted from Rotating-Brush Aerator during Summer in a Wastewater Treatment Plant of Xi’an, China

• DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.2012.09.0245
• Publication Date: 2013-11-28T07:54:33Z
• Authors: Yanpeng Li; Haifeng Zhang; Xionghui Qiu; Yanru Zhang; Huanran Wang
• Keywords: Hazard quotient; Indoor bioaerosol; Inhalation exposure

A microbial risk assessment was carried out for the rotating-brush aerator used during summer in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Xi'an, China. Bacterial aerosols were first collected by an Andersen cascade impactor at selected sampling sites near aerator. The concentrations airborne bacteria to obtain emission rate back calculation. downwind then calculated modified Gaussian dispersion model accounting environmental impact and microorganism decay. Subsequently, exposure parameters suitable Chinese people incorporated into evaluate non-carcinogenic risks mesophilic sewage workers surrounding residents. results indicate that both mean bacterial ground level hazard quotient decrease rapidly with distance. inhalation route is over 105 times more than dermal contact children adults, suggesting major pathway aerosol intake people. Although present gives acceptable low values various distances, it worth noting health associated aeration are generally much those adults.