Advances in Large-Volume Air Sampling

A review of the most recent advances in the field of large-volume air sampling is provided. The electrostatic precipitator, the multi-slit, and the liquid-scrubber large-volume air samplers are discussed and data are presented on their effectiveness in recovering aerosols of Serratia marcescens and B. subtilis var. niger. The authors conclude that much progress has been made recently, and that air-sampling equipment is now readily available that will remove a high percentage of ambient microorganisms in viable form from a large volume of air, and in addition will concentrate them into a small volume of liquid.