Abstract

Microorganisms (bacteria and moulds) capable of causing pulmonary and gastrointestinal problems may be present in the air of agricultural environments. Currently available sampling equipment can only be used over very short sampling times, since the sampling medium rapidly becomes saturated, reducing the accuracy with which concentrations can be determined. This equipment is quite clearly inappropriate for sampling in situations in which high concentrations of microorganisms are present.

In response to this problem, this project will develop a polycarbonate-filter-based sampling method that can accommodate longer sampling times. This technical advance will result in improvements in the accuracy with which the level of microbial contamination can be qualitatively and quantitatively assessed.

To assess the effectiveness of the new method, air samples will be taken in heavily contaminated environments (pork-breeding facilities, composting facilities, laundries), using both the new and conventional methods, and the differences in average microbial levels compared using statistical tests. This project will provide specialists in the prevention network with a new tool which is better adapted to actual working conditions.