DYNAMICS OF A BACTERIAL AEROSOL IN THE DUST AND DROP PHASE
Abstract
In a 250 liter experimental chamber, the dynamics were studied of an aerosol of Staphylococcus albus in the drop and dust phase. After dispersion of the bacterial suspension or bacterial dust, the concentration of the aerosol gradually decreased. Viable cells of staphylococci were exposed in the air still after 6-8 hours. Most suitable for the prolonged preservation of an aerosol of staphylococci in the air is dispersion of a bacterial suspension, prepared in distilled water, whereas an 0.85% solution of NaC1 least of all promoted the lengthy preservation of staphylococci in the air. The dust phase of an aerosol is kinetically less stable than the drop phase, which is apparently connected with the colloidal properties of particles of bacterial dust, their size and hygroscopicity. A decrease in relative air humidity promotes an increase of the time of occurrence of staphylococci in the drop and dust phases of an aerosol. High humidity assists the settling down of bacterial drops as well as of particles of bacterial dust and the lowering of the concentration of the aerosol.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0625615
Entities
People
- V. V. Vlodavets
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories