Analysis of chemical tracers of bioaerosol in size-segregated particulate matter

Bacteria and archaea, fungal spores and fragments, pollen, viruses, algae and cyanobacteria, lichens, plant or animal fragments and detritus compose aerosol particles of biological origin. Biological aerosols can induce genotoxicity, cardiovascular effects, and allergic, toxic, and infectious responses in exposed individuals. Their toxicity is also dependent on the particle size distribution. Biological aerosol particle sizes range from several nanometers to a few hundred micrometres in aerodynamic diameter so that the smaller bioparticles and/or their fragments can reach the systemic circulation, across the pulmonary alveoli. Despite the recognized negative effects on the human respiratory system, there is a scarcity of quantitative measurements in ambient air and of publications containing information on their percentage on respect the total atmospheric aerosol concentration, probably due to the lack of a reliable method for their measurement. One of the approaches to assess the occurrence of bioaerosol in atmospheric particulate matter is to analyze biomarkers. The basis of this approach is that microorganisms and plant cells contain compound