Title: “Aerosol bioparticles exposure and health risk assessment at landfill site in Nagpur”
Abstract
Waste management facilities maintained and managed by the cities contribute to public health and cause environmental concerns due to the
generation and release of particulate matter, bioparticles and aerosols (organic and inorganics). Pathogenic microorganisms laden Bioparticles
(bioaerosols) can pose risks to nearby communities apart from the workers involved in management of the waste. This study intended to identify
and quantify inhalable concentrations of bioaerosols (bacteria and fungi) at a municipal landfill site (solid waste) in comparison to the
surrounding residential sites at downwind and upwind directions in Nagpur, India. The findings of the study showed that the land fill site had a
high concentration of bioparticles, with an average total of 11056 CFU/m3 in winter and 2244 CFU/m3 in monsoon. The fungal count was
statistically lower than bacterial count in both the seasons. The study also observed antibiotic resistance of certain bacterial isolates, including
Bacillus, Staphylococcus gallinarum, and Streptomyces speibonae, to antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, netillin, nitrofurantoin, and
streptomycin. The hazard quotient (HQ) >1 arrived in this study conducted on adults employed at the landfill site confirmed having significant
risk to bacterial bioparticles. In summary, waste management sites serve as a significant source of bioaerosols due to the decomposition of organic matter in the deposited waste. The public health and the surrounding environment can substantially affected due to the generation and emission of bioaersols. Proper management of landfill operations, such as implementing effective waste segregation and processing methods, is crucial in mitigation and the release of bioaerosols and in protection of the local communities.
About the Speaker
Dr. Kannan Krishnamurthi obtained master’s degree in environmental Toxicology and Doctorate in Biochemistry from Nagpur University in 1990 and 2001 respectively. He also qualified the Post Doctoral study on HER-2 mechanism using in vitro cell culture system. He joined CSIR-NEERI in September 1995 and is Chief Scientist & Sub Vertical In-charge WCTA and co-chair in Waste Management Vertical at CSIR-NEERI. In view of his contribution and experience Dr. K. Krishnamurthi has been nominated in various International and National committees. Dr. Krishnamurthi is a recipient of STOX-2012 (Fellowship) for the year 2012 by Executive Council of Society of Toxicology (STOX) at Lucknow (UP). He has been awarded by fellowship by many academies. He delivers keynote addresses and lectures in a number of National Conferences and seminars and serves in a number of Committees and Task Forces in various capacities. He has near about 50 publications in various National & International, holds 3 patents and guides Ph.D students.
