Characterization of Airborne Microbial Communities in Northern Thailand: Impacts of Smoke Haze Versus Non-Haze Conditions

Abstract

Data on airborne microorganisms, particularly in Southeast Asia, are more limited compared to chemical data. This study is the first to examine the community and diversity of microorganisms on PM_2.5 in an urban area of Northern Thailand during both smoke haze and non-smoke haze periods of 2020. This study evaluated the composition of airborne bacteria and fungi and analyzed their association with the chemical composition of PM_2.5 and meteorological variables. Significantly higher concentrations of PM_2.5 and more chemical compounds were observed during the smoke haze period compared to the non-smoke haze period. Increased PM_2.5 concentrations significantly altered both bacterial and fungal communities. The diversity and richness of airborne bacteria increased, whereas those of fungi decreased. The level of PM_2.5 concentration (the carrier), the chemical composition of PM_2.5 (the resources for survival), and the local meteorological conditions (relative humidity (RH)) were associated with the differences in bacterial and fungal populations. In addition, air originating from the west of the receptor site, influenced by both terrestrial and marine air mass routes, contributed to higher bacterial diversity and richness during the smoke haze period. In contrast, fungal diversity and richness were greater when the air came from the southwest, following a marine route. However, the primary health concern is pathogens, which were present in both periods (such as Clostridium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium) and were especially abundant during smoke haze periods. This study highlights those airborne microorganisms, along with the particles and their chemical composition, are important components that can impact health, including that of humans, animals, and the environment.