Introduction: Bioaeroslos released from wastewater treatment plants may contain pathogens existing in the sewage which could endanger the health of workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of bioaerosol emissions form in a sanitary wastewater treatment plant. . Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in different units of a sanitary wastewater treatment plant. For this purpose, air samples were collected on blood agar and dextro agar in an Andersen single-stage sampler with flow of 28.3 lit/min for 10 minutes. Collected samples were shipped to the lab immediately and incubated for 48 hours. Then, incubated samples were counted for colonies concentration. . Result: Based on the result of this study, the mean density of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols in all wastewater treatment plants were 412.86±23.30 and 53.72±23.99 CFU/m3, respectively. Microbial contamination of the air within a kilometer away from the site (control areas) was 17 times less than its average density. . Conclusion: Wastewater treatment processes can contaminate the air surrounding the plant, particularly with bacteria bioaerosols. Therefore, it is necessary to control the emissions and protect the health of workers against risks arising from exposure to bioaerosols. |
