Spatiotemporal distributions and land-use regression models of ambient bacteria and endotoxins in the greater Taipei area

Abstract

Ambient bacteria and endotoxins are components of bioaerosols, which are abundant in ambient air. Exposure to ambient bacteria and endotoxins has been associated with respiratory symptoms. We monitored the spatiotemporal distributions of ambient bioaerosols in the Greater Taipei area by using multisite sampling and developed regression models for ambient bacterial and endotoxin concentrations. Forty-four representative sampling sites were selected from the Greater Taipei area. Samples were collected in 4 seasons throughout a 1-y study period. Ambient bacteria were quantified using acridine orange staining, and endotoxins were analyzed using Limulus amebocyte lysate assays. Land-use types and major determinants of the bioaerosols were used to develop regression models. Ambient bacteria ranged from