CERES :: Browsing by Author "Colbeck, Ian"

Browsing by Author "Colbeck, Ian"

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Open Access
Air quality (particulate matter) at heavy traffic sites in Lahore, Pakistan
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Ali, Z.; Rauf, A.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
The transport sector is a major contributor towards air pollution, particularly in the urban areas. Air quality at two major heavy traffic roads of Lahore, Pakistan was evaluated. Particulate matter (PM) was monitored for twenty four hours at each sampling sites. The total number of vehicles passing was also noted and correlated with the PM levels. The vehicular congestion as well as meteorological factors had a positive association with the PM levels. PM concentrations were significantly higher than the WHO recommended levels. It is necessary to control emissions from vehicular exhaust to reduce the level of pollutants in the ambient air in urban areas.
Open Access
Air quality and mental illness: role of bioaerosols, causal mechanisms and research priorities
(Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2024-09-19) Bhui, Kamaldeep; Ucci, Marcella; Kumar, Prashant; Jackson, Simon K; Whitby, Corinne; Colbeck, Ian; Pfrang, Christian; Nasir, Zaheer A; Coulon, Frederic
Background: Poor air quality can both trigger and aggravate lung and heart conditions, as well as affecting child development. It can even lead to neurological and mental health problems. However, the precise mechanisms by which air pollution affect human health are not well understood. Aims: To promote interdisciplinary dialogue and better research based on a critical summary of evidence on air quality and health, with an emphasis on mental health, and to do so with a special focus on bioaerosols as a common but neglected air constituent. Method: A rapid narrative review and interdisciplinary expert consultation, as is recommended for a complex and rapidly changing field of research. Results: The research methods used to assess exposures and outcomes vary across different fields of study, resulting in a disconnect in bioaerosol and health research. We make recommendations to enhance the evidence base by standardising measures of exposure to both particulate matter in general and bioaerosols specifically. We present methods for assessing mental health and ideal designs. There is less research on bioaerosols, and we provide specific ways of measuring exposure to these. We suggest research designs for investigating causal mechanisms as important intermediate steps before undertaking larger-scale and definitive studies. Conclusions: We propose methods for exposure and outcome measurement, as well as optimal research designs to inform the development of standards for undertaking and reporting research and for future policy.
Open Access
Automotive related exposure to particulate air pollution in developing countries cities
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Ali, Z.; Ahmed, S.
Poor urban air quality in developing countriesis a growing public health challenge due to rises in population, industries, urbanization and vehiclesalong with insufficient air quality management. Among the range of air pollutants exposure to particulate matter (PM) is of greatest concern due to its association with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The present study reports traffic related exposure to PM by the roads in Lahore, Pakistan. The measurements of mass and number of PM were carried out by GRIMM analysers (Model 1.108 and Model 1.101) and condensation particle counter (TSI 3781). The heavy metals concentration in PM was determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Unicam atomic absorption, Cambridge, UK). The mean hourly average concentration of PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and PM10 (-) (2.5) at the road siteswas higher during weekdays(305 mu g/m(3), 84 mu g/m(3), 61 mu g/m(3) and 222 mu g/m(3), respectively) in comparison to the weekend (136 mu g/m3, 60 mu g/m3, 40 mu g/m3 and 76 mu g/m(3), respectively). At the background site the levels in the same size fractions were 206 mu g/m(3), 63 mu g/m(3), 31 mu g/m(3), and 143 mu g/m(3), respectively. Likewise, the number concentration of ultrafine particles was considerably higher at road sites (417,003 #/cm(3)) than the background(97,300 #/cm(3)). The concentration of heavy metals in PM decreased in the following order: Si, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb. Overall, the concentration of PM10, PM2.5 and toxic metals (Mn, Cd, Ni) was substantially higher than guidelines by the WHO. Furthermore, relatively higher levels of the fine fraction (PM2.5 and PM1) in the background reflect their higher residence time and resultant increased risk of exposure to the wider public beyond that of the vicinity to automotive sources. Everyday commuters, mostly on two and three wheelers as well asthe residential population in urban areas are at an enhanced risk of exposure to high levels of particulate pollution.
Open Access
Bioaerosol biomonitoring: sampling optimisation for molecular microbial ecology
(Wiley, 2019-02-08) Ferguson, Robert M. W.; Garcia Alcega, Sonia; Coulon, Frederic; Dumbrell, Alex J.; Whitby, Corinne; Colbeck, Ian
Bioerosols (or biogenic aerosols) have largely been overlooked by molecular ecologists. However, this is rapidly changing as bioaerosols play key roles in public health, environmental chemistry and the dispersal ecology of microbes. Due to the low environmental concentrations of bioaerosols, collecting sufficient biomass for molecular methods is challenging. Currently, no standardized methods for bioaerosol collection for molecular ecology research exist. Each study requires a process of optimization, which greatly slows the advance of bioaerosol science. Here, we evaluated air filtration and liquid impingement for bioaerosol sampling across a range of environmental conditions. We also investigated the effect of sampling matrices, sample concentration strategies and sampling duration on DNA yield. Air filtration using polycarbonate filters gave the highest recovery, but due to the faster sampling rates possible with impingement, we recommend this method for fine ‐scale temporal/spatial ecological studies. To prevent bias for the recovery of Gram‐positive bacteria, we found that the matrix for impingement should be phosphate‐buffered saline. The optimal method for bioaerosol concentration from the liquid matrix was centrifugation. However, we also present a method using syringe filters for rapid in‐field recovery of bioaerosols from impingement samples, without compromising microbial diversity for high ‐throughput sequencing approaches. Finally, we provide a resource that enables molecular ecologists to select the most appropriate sampling strategy for their specific research question.
Open Access
Can chemical and molecular biomarkers help discriminate between industrial, rural and urban environments?
(Elsevier, 2018-03-16) Garcia Alcega, Sonia; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Ferguson, Robert M. W.; Noël, Cyril; Cravo-Laureau, Cristiana; Whitby, Corinne; Dumbrell, Alex J.; Colbeck, Ian; Tyrrel, Sean; Coulon, Frederic
Air samples from four contrasting outdoor environments including a park, an arable farm, a waste water treatment plant and a composting facility were analysed during the summer and winter months. The aim of the research was to study the feasibility of differentiating microbial communities from urban, rural and industrial areas between seasons with chemical and molecular markers such as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Air samples (3 l) were collected every 2 h for a total of 6 h in order to assess the temporal variations of MVOCs and PLFAs along the day. MVOCs and VOCs concentrations varied over the day, especially in the composting facility which was the site where more human activities were carried out. At this site, total VOC concentration varied between 80 and 170 μg m−3 in summer and 20–250 μg m−3 in winter. The composition of MVOCs varied between sites due to the different biological substrates including crops, waste water, green waste or grass. MVOCs composition also differed between seasons as in summer they are more likely to get modified by oxidation processes in the atmosphere and in winter by reduction processes. The composition of microbial communities identified by the analysis of PLFAs also varied among the different locations and between seasons. The location with higher concentrations of PLFAs in summer was the farm (7297 ng m−3) and in winter the park (11,724 ng m−3). A specific set of MVOCs and PLFAs that most represent each one of the locations was identified by principal component analyses (PCA) and canonical analyses. Further to this, concentrations of both total VOCs and PLFAs were at least three times higher in winter than in summer. The difference in concentrations between summer and winter suggest that seasonal variations should be considered when assessing the risk of exposure to these compounds.
Open Access
Changes in particulate matter concentrations at different altitudinal levels with environmental dynamics
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Zona, Z.; Ali, Z.; Sidra, S.; Nimra, A.; Ahmad, M.; Aziz, K.; Zainab, I.; Quratulain; Ansari, B.; Raza, S. T.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
Ambient air quality is defined not only by the source strength but a variety of meteorological parameters as well. In the current study, ambient concentrations of PM along with temperature and relative humidity levels were monitored at seven different locations of Pakistan. A DustTrak DRX (Model 8533, TSI Inc.) was employed for twenty four hours real time monitoring of particulate matter at the selected sites. A considerable variation was observed in the 24 hour trend of particulate matter (PM) at different locations owing to variation in meteorological conditions due to different altitudes and seasons, and natural and anthropogenic sources in the vicinity. The highest average concentrations of PM2.5 (407 mu g/m(3)) were observed at highest elevation (Makra Peak, Shogran, 3089 m) while lowest averages (102 mu g/m(3)) were obtained at the seaside (Hawks Bay, Karachi, 0 m). On the other hand PMTotal fraction exhibited highest levels at site B (506 mu g/m(3)) and lowest at Site A (121 mu g/m(3)). Correlation factors were determined for PM and meteorological parameters at each location. More research needs to be conducted to have a comprehensive knowledge about the physical parameters controlling particulate dispersal at different altitudes within the country.
Open Access
Comparative ambient and indoor particulate matter analysis of operation theatres of government and private (trust) hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Nimra, A.; Ali, Z.; Khan, M. N.; Gulshan, T.; Sidra, S.; Gardezi, J. R.; Tarar, M. R.; Saleem, M.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
The link between infection and indoor air quality (IAQ) in operating theatres is well established. The level of airborne particulate matter (PM) in operating theatres in Pakistan has not yet been studied comprehensively. Monitoring of both indoor (operating theatre) and outdoor concentrations of PM in both activity and non-activity time periods was done using a DUSTTRAK Aerosol Monitor (TSI Model 8520) and DRX Aerosol Monitor (TSI Model 8533) for 24 hours. Two hospitals in Lahore were selected: Services Hospital (government – site 1) and Shalamar Hospital (private – site 2). The highest concentration of PM was observed in the orthopaedic operating theatre at site 1 during working hours with an average concentration of 757(±540), 809(±58), 824(±585), 875(±586) and 970(±581) µg/m³ of PM1 ,PM2.5, PM4, PM10and PMTotalrespectively while the average PM2.5outdoor concentration was 294 µg/m3 . The minimum average PM concentration was found in the orthopaedic operating theatre at site 2 during working hours: 18(±8), 19(±8), 20(±9), 26(±9) and 39(±9) µg/m³ for PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 and PMTotal respectively. The use of vertical laminar air flow ventilation strategy was found to be an effective measure in reducing PM levels and it might be possible to predict the air quality of operating theatres by determining PM dust load. Factors such as ventilation system, door opening /closing rates, building age, possible sources of infiltration, number of people present in the operating area all play a role in influencing PM concentrations in operating theatres.
Open Access
Comparative study of particulate matter in the transport microenvironment (buses) of Pakistan and UK
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Aziz, K.; Ali, Z.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
Transport microenvironments can contain higher levels of particulate matter due to infiltration from the roads, vehicular exhaust and commuter's activities. The present study monitored PM, CO2, CO, temperature and relative humidity levels in diesel-powered buses in Pakistan and United Kingdom. Two routes of almost the same travelling distance were selected in Pakistan and the UK. Indoor air quality of the buses was monitored to determine the exposure faced by the commuters on inter-city journeys. While the observed levels in both countries were not in compliance with the WHO guidelines, levels of particulate matter were much higher in Pakistan than the concentrations in UK.
Open Access
Environmental health and wildlife research with transnational education forebodings, applicability and approach
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Ali, Z.; Colbeck, Ian; Campos, L. C.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Ali, M.; Riaz, N.
Pakistan, the sixth most populous country (91.71 million)in the world, is battling to keep the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. At present the government is mainly focusing on meeting the energy and food needs of the country and environmental protection is lacking serious attention. Pollution (air, water, and soil), sanitation and loss of wildlife and biodiversity are growing environmental health issues in Pakistan. In order to deliver demand led solutions to these multifaceted challenges development of institutional and technical capacities in the countryis prerequisite. Transnational Education (TNE) provides institutional mobility in tertiary education and through British Council facilitated links we were successful in developing a much needed baseline courses work and underway the research for environmental health related issues. The Government of Pakistan will certainly use the data from the research and experts will also be available to concerned departments to tackle emerging environmental problems. Additionally the understanding and concerns of TNE in academic, economic, career and socio-cultural contexts could be imperative challenges. Through TNE it was learned that other nations / regions can be benefitted from such institutes and concerned people for a true flow of knowledge for reciprocated problems. The recommendations include general considerations for policy makers which are linked with environmental health and wildlife. Among the general considerations, or overarching advice, is that policies should promote community-wide action to manage wildlife, biodiversity, environmental health and that the safety of new emissions and exposure with technologies must be assessed rather than estimated.
Open Access
Ethno-environmental knowledge as a tool to combat indoor air pollution in low income countries: a case study from rural communities in Pakistan
(2014-07-30) Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Bharucha, Zareen P.; Cintra Campos, Luiza; Ali, Zulfiqar
It has recently been estimated that 4 million deaths each year are associated with air pollution originating from household solid fuel use. Interventions to reduce biomass fuel-related emissions can yield a diverse stream of benefits including improved public health, socio-economic development, reduced land degradation and climate change mitigation. This study investigates the use of indigenous knowledge to inform interventions to combat indoor air pollution at a rural site in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The results indicate that the majority of people using biomass fuel had knowledge of its ill health effects. A range of methods were utilised to reduce indoor smoke including cooking in open spaces, use of chimneys, better ventilation and use of dry fuel. Education and housing type showed a statistically significant relationship with awareness of methods to reduce indoor exposure to biomass smoke. These findings lend support to the notion that communities have indigenous knowledge and their own methods to reduce exposure to indoor smoke from biomass fuels; this knowledge can be used as tool to design and implement sustainable intervention strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to indoor air pollution. It is recommended that a community based intervention focusing on locally manufactured improved stoves and better designed cooking spaces would be a suitable intervention in this region.
Open Access
Exposure to NO2 in occupational built environments in urban centre in Lahore
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Andleeb, S.; Ali, Z.; Afzal, F.; Razzaq, A. A.; Mehmood, T.; Noor, N.; Rasheed, F.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
Increased economic growth, urbanisation and substantial rise in automobile vehicles has contributed towards the elevated levels of air pollution in major cities in Pakistan. Aone week study was conducted by using passive samplers to assess NO2 concentration in occupational built environments at two most congested and populated sites of Lahore. Both sites were locatedon the busy roads of Lahore. At Site-I the highest concentration was in outdoors followed by corridor and indoor. While at Site II all the sampling location wereindoors and level were comparable to that of outdoor levelsat Site I. The results suggest the likely contribution of ambient sources in exposure to indoor NO2 in educational and other occupational built environments in urban centres.
Open Access
Fingerprinting ambient air to understand bioaerosol profiles in three different environments in the South East of England
(Elsevier, 2020-02-24) Garcia Alcega, Sonia; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Cipullo, Sabrina; Ferguson, Robert M. W.; Yan, Cheng; Whitby, Corinne; Dumbrell, Alex J.; Drew, Gillian; Colbeck, Ian; Tyrrel, Sean F.
Molecular and chemical fingerprints from 10 contrasting outdoor air environments, including three agricultural farms, three urban parks and four industrial sites were investigated to advance our understanding of bioaerosol distribution and emissions. Both phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) profiles showed a different distribution in summer compared to winter. Further to this, a strong positive correlation was found between the total concentration of MVOCs and PLFAs (r = 0.670, p = 0.004 in winter and r = 0.767, p = 0.001 in summer) demonstrating that either chemical or molecular fingerprints of outdoor environments can provide good insights into the sources and distribution of bioaerosols. Environment specific variables and most representative MVOCs were identified and linked to microbial species emissions via a MVOC database and PLFAs taxonomical classification. While similar MVOCs and PLFAs were identified across all the environments suggesting common microbial communities, specific MVOCs were identified for each contrasting environment. Specifically, 3,4-dimethylpent-1-yn-3-ol, ethoxyethane and propanal were identified as key MVOCs for the industrial areas (and were correlated to fungi, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacteria) and Gram negative bacteria, R = 0.863, R = 0.618 and R = 0.676, respectively) while phthalic acid, propene and isobutane were key for urban environments (correlated to Gram negative bacteria, fungi and bacteria, R = 0.874, R = 0.962 and R = 0.969 respectively); and ethanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-methyl-1-pentene, butane, isoprene and methyl acetate were key for farms (correlated to fungi, Gram positive bacteria and bacteria, R = 0.690 and 0.783, R = 0.706 and R = 0.790, 0.761 and 0.768). The combination of MVOCs and PLFAs markers can assist in rapid microbial fingerprinting of distinct environmental influences on ambient air quality.
Open Access
Measurement of NO2 indoor and outdoor concentrations in selected public schools of Lahore using passive sampler
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2016-06-30) Mehmood, T.; Ali, Z.; Noor, N.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
Higher levels of NO2 are a danger to human health especially for children. A seven day study was carried to find out the ambient concentrations of NO2in 27 schools of Lahore with the help of passive samplers. In each school three sites were selected, viz: laboratory, corridor and outdoors. After 7 days exposure the tubes were subjected to spectrophotometric analysis. Results showed that the maximum values measured in laboratory, outdoor and corridors were 376µg/m3 , 222µg/m3 and 77µg/m3 . Minimum values for laboratory, outdoor and corridors were 10µg/m3 , 20µg/m3 and 8µg/m3 . Factors affecting these values were laboratory activities and proximity to main roads. These values were significantly higher than the standard values defined by EPA. Therefore children in schools were at risk of developing health complications.
Open Access
Microbial dynamics during various activities in residential areas of Lahore, Pakistan
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Sidra, S.; Ali, Z.; Sultan, S.; Ahmed, D.; Colbeck, Ian; Nasir, Zaheer A.
Bioaerosols are ubiquitous in the atmosphere with their levels affected by a variety of environmental factors as well as type of activities being carried out at any specific time. The present study investigated how indoor activities influence bioaerosol concentrations in five residential houses of Lahore. Agar coated petri plates were exposed face upwards for twenty minutes in kitchens and living rooms during activity and non-activity periods. The temperature and relative humidity levels were noted as well. The bioaerosol concentrations in kitchens during the activity time ranged between 1022 to 4481 cfu/m3 and in living rooms from 1179 to 3183 cfu/m3 . Lower values were observed during non-activity periods. A paired-t test revealed a significant difference in bacterial loads during activity and non-activity times in both micro-environments (p = 0.038 in kitchen and p = 0.021 in living room). The predominant species identified were Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. which are a common constituent of the indoor environment and are known to be opportunistic pathogens as well.
Open Access
Monitoring of particulate matter concentrations at high altitude ecosystems of Pakistan and China
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Zainab, I.; Ali, Z.; Ahmad, M. S.; Zona, Z.; Raza, S. T.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Liu, W.
Particulate matter exhibits different behavior with altitude. A comparative analysis was carried out to monitor PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10and PMTotal at elevations above 3000 m in both China and Pakistan. Real time monitoring of PM was carried out at both sites using a DustTrak DRX (model 8533, TSI Inc.) for 24 hours each. In Pakistan, the average value of PMTotal was 415+ 16 µg/m³ while in China the value was considerably lower i.e. 110+ 57 µg/m³. The 24-hour mean values recorded were well above the WHO recommended limit of 25 µg/m³. These results indicate that, even at sites some distance from anthropogenic sources, PM concentrations still pose a health risk.
Open Access
PM2.5 arising from different cooking fuels in rural residential houses
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Amant, H.; Ali, Z.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
A study was conducted in the rural area of Kasur district, Pakistan to monitor PM2.5levels generated by different fuel types. Three rural houses were selected, one burning wood as primary cooking fuel while the other two employed LPG for cooking purposes. Burning of wood caused PM levels to increase 37 times above the WHO recommended limit of 25 µg/m³ while smoking also contributed significantly increasing PM levels up to 48 times than the recommended limit. LPG was observed to increase the levels up to 14 times. It is important to promote the use of cleaner fuels as increased exposure to PM levels generated by biomass fuel burning can have a significant impact upon human health.
Open Access
Prospects for alleviating poverty and protecting the Taunsa barrage wildlife sanctuary, Indus river, Pakistan, through cultural and eco-tourism
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Ali, Z.; Shelly, S. Y.; Bibi, F.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Butler, J. R. A.
The common assumption about protected areas is that they aggravate poverty amongst local residents by excluding them from livelihood activities such as fishing, agriculture, tourism and logging. It has been increasingly recognized that protected areas should instead contribute to sustaining the resident communities of surrounding areas. Eco-tourism could be an alternative form of income generation and has a substantial potential to boost and develop a relationship between people and nature. At the Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary (TBWS), on the Indus River, Pakistan, local communities rely on local ecosystem services for up to 90% of their daily needs. To determine the potential for eco-tourism growth a SWOT analysis (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) was designed based on discussion with stake holders (including community representative, non-governmental and governmental agencies)and personal observation during 2010. It is proposed as an approach for communities to utilize otherwise marginal cultural or ecological assets.Sustainability and involvement are both fundamental for the enduring future of this form of tourism. This study indicates that the prospects of eco-tourism as an instrument for empowerment and poverty alleviation at the TBWS are good.Eco-cultural tourism can offers ways to achieve sustainable resource and to engage with wider society. It could also act as a model for how cultural- and eco-tourism could empower local people in comparable settings in Pakistan.
Open Access
RAMBIE, rapid monitoring of bioaerosols in urban, agricultural and industrial environments, NERC
(Science Impact Ltd, 2017-12-01) Coulon, Frederic; Colbeck, Ian
The impact of emissions from urban, agricultural and industrial areas on local air quality is a growing concern. However, understanding the identities, distribution and abundance of airborne microorganisms remains in its infancy. Deleterious health effects can arise following exposure to infective bacterial and viral organisms. Indeed, the risk to human exposure from bioaerosols and volatile organic compounds are still difficult to quantify in real time. There is also growing concern about the accidental or deliberate release of biological materials in the environment and the associated impacts on human/animal health and the economy. Thus, rapid bioaerosol detection is an urgent civilian and military requirement. In 2012, the Government instigated a "Blackett Review" to address the question "Which technologies or capabilities will enable rapid, wide-area surveillance of a broad spectrum of biological agents in the next 15 years?" As the risk of exposure is directly linked to the concentration and type of microorganisms, much clearer characterisation, quantification and monitoring methods are needed if the temporal and spatial trends of infectious species are to be evaluated in different environments. Current monitoring methods are labour-time intensive, expensive and inefficient at capturing sufficient amounts of biomaterial for bioaerosol characterisation. Furthermore, there is currently no standardised protocol established which often leads to an underestimation of the diversity and quantity of microbial load. Thus, a more in-depth understanding of bioaerosol material is required. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has facilitated the characterisation of bioaerosol material at the fine-scale. However, such methods are being used with no guidelines as to the type of filter to be used; sampling flow rate, time period, or extraction methods. Furthermore, simply characterising the aerosol microbiome is only the first step to understanding the microbial processes occurring in bioaerosols in different environments. Metatranscriptomics which provides an understanding of how communities respond to changes in their environment may be more appropriate to analysing complex bioaerosol communities and their interactions with biotic/ abiotic factors in the environment. The overall aim of this project is to develop a 'bio-toolkit' for high-confidence, wide-area biodetection and biomonitoring of bioaerosols from urban, agricultural and industrial environments. Specifically, the project aims to develop novel techniques for rapid, high-throughput sample capture, concentration and preparation for detecting bioaerosols. The project will utilise a combination of NGS (metagenetic) and chemical marker analysis to characterise the aerosol microbiome across environments. This will provide a robust, cost-effective, sensitive approach to identify, quantify and monitor key pathogens in bioaerosols. We will use metatranscriptomics to identify the functional diversity of the aerosol microbiome and provide insights into the processes supporting bacterial diversity in aerosol samples. We will examine how functional diversity changes across environment type and context and provide additional phylogenetic information on total bacterial diversity. A major project output for end-user beneficiaries will be an optimised network system for the rapid and responsive wide-area real-time monitoring (i.e. detection, characterisation and quantification) of bioaerosols (specifically bacterial pathogens) across urban, agricultural and industrial environments using portable 'in-field' micro-instrumentation. We will produce a database of microbial volatile organic markers for the rapid characterisation of bioaerosols from different sources. The project also provides a better understanding of the impact of bioaerosols from different sources on human exposure which is of direct relevance to the NERC strategy.
Open Access
Rapid measurement tools or fast identification of bioaerosols
(Adjacent Digital Politics Ltd, 2023-02-23) Whitby, Corinne; Ferguson, Robert M. W.; Dumbrell, Alex; Colbeck, Ian; Coulon, Frederic; Nasir, Zaheer Ahmad
Bioaerosols are complex mixtures of airborne particles of biological origin (BioPM), which vary in size (~0.05-100 μm) and composition (viruses, bacteria, fungi/mould, pollen, cell fragments, and endotoxins). Many bioaerosols are of inhalable size (< 100 μm), but those < 10 μm are respirable and can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, making them a primary health concern(6). In addition to causing infectious diseases (e.g. tuberculosis and COVID-19), bioaerosols are associated with non-infectious diseases, such as hypersensitivity, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, that cause significant mortality and morbidity(4,7). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) also poses an emerging and uncertain threat to public health worldwide, yet, AMR in bioaerosols is generally ignored leaving a major blindspot in the OneHealth approach to fighting AMR.
Open Access
Resilience of local communities to climate change around a ramsar site in Pakistan
(Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Shelly, S. A.; Ali, Z.; Bibi, F.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Butler, J. R. A.
The Taunsa Barrage controls water flow in the River Indus for irrigation and flood control purposes. The river ecology is sensitive to climate change due to the high portion of its flow derived glacial melt. To assess the socio-economic status of the rural communities living within the Taunsa Barrage Wildlife sanctuary, a questionnaire was developed based on the perception of local communities about their resilience capacity and climate change. Temperature and rainfall data over the period 1951 – 2010 were analysed and used as an indicator of climate change. 85 of the respondents (n =100) reported that there had been an increase extreme climatic events over the past 60 years. These communities have proved to be resilient (94% n = 100) to it by changing occupations and lifestyles. However at the same time they have increased the pressure on natural resource use and this is causing a serious problem in the management of the protected area