Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Bilyana GRIGOROVA-PESHEVA, Asen PESHEV
Urban air pollution poses significant public health risks, with airborne microorganisms contributing to air quality concerns and respiratory illnesses. This study investigates the distribution of airborne microflora using a six-stage cascade impactor. Samples were collected from three urban hotspots, three park areas, and a natural control site in Sofia, Bulgaria. Microbial counts were analyzed across six particle size fractions to determine spatial distribution patterns. Hotspots showed significantly higher microbial loads, especially in larger particle fractions (>7 µm, 4.7-7 µm), whereas densely forested green areas exhibited lower microbial levels with a shift toward finer fractions (2.1- 3.3 µm, 1.1-2.1 µm). Parks with minimal vegetation showed microbial patterns similar to hotspots. These findings underscore the role of urban vegetation in mitigating microbial air pollution and highlight the importance of incorporating forested green spaces into urban planning to enhance air quality and public health.
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