You are here:
STUDY OF MICROBIAL AEROSOLS EMITTED FROM A WATER RECLAMATION PLANT
Citation:
Fannin, K. AND S. Vana. STUDY OF MICROBIAL AEROSOLS EMITTED FROM A WATER RECLAMATION PLANT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/1-83/013 (NTIS PB83234906), 1983.
Description:
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the occurrence of selected microorganisms in the air in the vicinity of the O'Hare Water Reclamation Plant (OWRP), Des Plaines, Illinois. The contribution of the OWRP to ambient microbial aerosols was determined by comparing baseline, or preoperational, observations during fall and spring/summer months to those made after operation was initiated. Three sampling sites were positioned <150 m, 150 to 250 m, and >250 m downwind, while one location was upwind of the center of the two-stage activated sludge aeration tanks. Under the operating conditions present during this study, however, the probability of community exposure to bacterial aerosols, above that experienced before plant operations, is not significantly increased by the plant. Aerosols containing coliphages are, however, higher at or near the plant perimeter.