Characterization of Reaerosolization From Impingers in an Effort to Improve Airborne Virus Sampling
Abstract
An AGI-30 impinger containing particles (MS2 bacteriophage or 30-nm polystyrene latex (PSL)) of known concentration was operated with sterile air. Reaerosolized particles as a function of sampling flow rate and impinge collection liquid concentration were characterized using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer. Reaerosolization from the impinge was also compared to that from a BioSampler. Results show that the reaerosolization increases as flow rate increases. While the increased particle concentration in the impinge collection liquid leads to an increase in the reaerosolization of PSL particles, it does not necessarily lead to an increase in the reaerosolization of virus particles. Reaerosolization of virus particles begins to decrease as the particle concentration in the impinge collection liquid rises above 106 PFU/mL. This phenomenon likely results from the aggregation of viral particles at high concentrations. Compared with micron-sized particles, nanosized virus particles are easier to aerosolize due to reduced inertia. Reaerosolization from the BioSampler is demonstrated to be significantly less than that from the impinge. Reaerosolization from impingement sampling methods is a mode of loss in airborne virus sampling, although it is not as significant a limitation as the; primary particle size of the aerosol. Utilizing a BioSampler coupled with shorter sampling periods to prevent high accumulative concentrations can minimize the impact of reaerosolization. This study confirms reaerosolization of virus particles to be a mode of loss in impingement sampling and identified methods to minimize the loss.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA499532
Entities
People
- Brian K. Heimbuch
- Chang-yu Wu
- Dale A. Lundgren
- Hsing-wang Li
- Jin-hwa Lee
- Joseph D. Wander
- Lindsey M. Riemenschnelder
Organizations
- University of Florida