The role of volatile organic compound emissions from aromatic crops in the management of bioaerosols at agricultural sites: An overview

Abstract

Bioaerosols contribute up to 28 % of airborne particles and can have harmful effects on both human and plant health, depending on their composition. At agricultural sites, the primary contributors to bioaerosol composition include farm activities, soil, irrigation water, plant emissions, and fertilizers. Scientometric data on bioaerosols shows that most research has focused on indoor air, with limited literature available on bioaerosols and plant emissions in open fields. However, there may be interactions between bioaerosols and biogenic emissions. Plants, particularly those that produce essential oils, emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) known for their antimicrobial properties. These compounds may significantly affect the bioaerosol composition in the surrounding area. This review focuses on the potential interaction between BVOCs from essential oil-bearing crops and the microbial composition of bioaerosols at agricultural sites. Key factors influencing these interactions include the amount and persistency of BVOCs in the air, the composition of bioaerosols, the type of plant, and the environmental conditions. Based on the available literature, the study suggests that BVOCs may play a role in modulating the microbial load in bioaerosols, potentially inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms in agricultural environments. Further research is needed to understand how BVOCs affect the atmospheric microbiome and their potential application in controlling airborne pathogens in agriculture.