Microbial Indoor Air Pollution of Buildings at Al-Karkh University of Science/Abu Ghraib, Iraq

Zahraa Jameel; Amna A. Mohsin Mohsin; Marwa G. Hamdy Hamdy

doi:10.69923/kyapgp90

Authors

Zahraa Jameel AlKarkh University of science, college of Energy and environmental sciences Author
Amna A. Mohsin AlKarkh University of science, college of Energy and environmental sciences Author
Marwa G. Hamdy AlKarkh University of science, college of Energy and environmental sciences Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69923/kyapgp90

Keywords:

air pollution, indoor, bacteria, fungi

Abstract

Indoor air pollution causes many diseases and health complications. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for the premature death of 7 million people. The aim of the current study was to estimate the airborne microorganisms, noise, and chemical hazards for indoor air quality in the buildings of Al-Karkh University of Science. One hundred ninety-two samples were collected by open plate and exposed to the air for 60 min, and 192 samples were swabbed from hard surfaces. Air samples collected from various buildings of Al-Karkh University of Science revealed clear seasonal variations in indoor air quality. The maximum microbial load showed in the buildings of the College of Energy and Environmental Sciences and the College of Science, particularly in January. The major microbial species were Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp., with increased fungal growth during the winter season, with Aspergillus niger and Penicillium. Noise levels were up to 75 dB, and maximum concentrations of H₂S and CO were observed during the month of January. A significant depletion of oxygen (0.1-1.5%) and high levels of flammable gases (11-25%) were also observed, particularly during the winter months. Indoor environments in Iraq are exposed to multiple sources of overlapping pollutants that place a significant burden on public health. Measured excess of WHO and EPA limits for noise, CO, and bioaerosol prevalence requires urgent mitigation efforts.

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Author Biographies

Zahraa Jameel, AlKarkh University of science, college of Energy and environmental sciences

Dr. Zahraa J. Jameel is an assistant professor at the College of Energy and Environmental Sciences, Al-Karkh University of Science, Iraq. She received her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in biology science from Baghdad University, IRAQ. She holds a Ph.D. degree in biology science with a specialization in microbiology. She has published several scientific papers in national and international conferences and journals. She can be contacted at email: dr.zahraa.j@kus.edu.iq.
Amna A. Mohsin, AlKarkh University of science, college of Energy and environmental sciences

Amna A. Mohsin is an M.Sc. student at the College of Energy and Environmental Sciences, Al-Karkh University of Science, Iraq. She received her B.Sc. degree in environmental science from Al-Karkh University of Science.
Marwa G. Hamdy, AlKarkh University of science, college of Energy and environmental sciences

Marwa G. Hamdy is an M.Sc. student at the College of Energy and Environmental Sciences, Al-Karkh University of Science, Iraq. She received her B.Sc. degree in environmental science from Al-Karkh University of Science.

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