Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica do ar interno em diferentes ambientes em um instituto de ensino e pesquisa

Abstract

The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is defined by chemical, physical or biological characteristics of the air indoors and the effects on the health and comfort of their occupants. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the indoor air quality of the Marine Sciences Institute (LABOMAR), Federal University of Ceará (UFC), from microbiological parameter. In order to achieve this goal, bioaerosols collections were obtained by settling plate technique, using Plate Count Agar (PCA) for bacteria and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for fungi. Medium plates were exposed for thirty minutes in internal and external sites of nine points inside the Institute and the parking during of Operational (school period) and Rest (school vacation) periods. Counts, isolation, bacterial and fungal identification were made. All collection sites showed values of fungal counts below 750 CFU/m³, which is the maximum recommended by the Brazilian legislation, but the Graduation Administrative Office showed I/E value equal to 1.61, higher than the maximum established in the Resolution 9/2003 by ANVISA. Bacterial and fungal counts and microorganisms diversity were higher in the Operational period. Among bacterial strains identified, more than 90% were Gram-positive. The major strains identified were belong to human normal microbiota and they are possible opportunistic pathogens. One strain of Legionella was found in the Graduation Administrative Office. Aspergillus, Penicillium and Chrysosporium were the fungi genera most frequently isolated, accounting for 73.1%, 7.4% and 7.4% of the isolates, respectively. After questioning the occupants on their perception as to your comfort in the Institute, 73% of respondents reported suffering from any symptoms to remain on the premises of the Institute. Based on the values established by law to indicate the IAQ, the Institute is within the standards, however, there is an influence on the health and wellfare of users of the Institute.