Detection of a biological aerosol using optical particle counters

Abstract

So far, detection and quantification of bio-aerosols requires genotypic or phenotypic identification of every single particle. Successful use of optical particle counters, as a time- and cost-saving alternative, has not been reported to date, indicating the need for further method development. Previously, such studies have focused on pollen. Here we report on a laboratory test of commercially available low-cost optical particle counters from Alphasense (OPC-N3 and OPC-R2) for the quantification of a known fungal aerosol (Botrytis cinerea). Aerosols were quantified using a Grimm Portable Aerosol Spectrometer (11E). Our measurements reveal that the low-cost sensors almost correctly detect the relative particle size distribution of the spores, as compared with the Grimm reference instrument, and potentially can be used in environmental detection of fungal aerosols.