Correlation of ambient inhalable bioaerosols with particulate matter and ozone: A two-year study

In this study, we have examined the relationships between the concentrations of ambient inhalable airborne fungi and pollen with PM 10, PM 2.5, ozone, organic carbon, selected trace metals (cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc), temperature, and relative humidity. The database was collected in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, during two consecutive years. Measurements of all environmental variables were performed at the same site continuously 5 days a week except during winter months. The airborne concentrations of biological and non-biological pollutants ranged as follows: total fungi: 184–16 979 spores m −3; total pollen: 0–6692 pollen m −3; PM 10: 6.70–65.38 μg m −3; PM 2.5: 5.04–45.02 μg m −3; and ozone: 2.54–64.17 ppb. Higher levels of total inhalable fungi and particulate matter were found during fall and summer months. In contrast, total pollen concentration showed elevated levels in spring. Peak concentrations of ozone were observed during summer and beginning of fall. Our study concluded that several types of inhalable airborne fungi and pollen, particulate matter, and ozone could be positively correlated as a result of the atmospheric temperature influence. Synergistic effects of these pollutants may increase incidence of respiratory health problem.