Assessing Airborne Bacteriological Concentrations in Indoor Environments

Understanding the diversity and abundance of bacteria present in indoor air environments is essential for assessing potential health risks associated with microbial exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indoor air bacterial load, focusing on the determination of genera or species composition and the quantification of colony forming units (CFUs) in different Sections i.e from Biology POCSO Lab., Biology exhibit examination Lab., Serology exhibit examination Lab., DNA exhibit examination Lab. and Toxicology exhibit examination Lab. of 4th floor , Forensic Science Laboratory, Bihar, Patna. The evaluation of indoor air bacterial concentrations reveals significant variations across laboratory spaces, with the highest count recorded in the Toxicology exhibit examination Lab.(T) while the lowest count was found in the Biology POCSO Lab. (P). Mean bacterial concentrations in the Biology exhibit examination Lab.(B), Serology exhibit examination Lab.(S), and Toxicology exhibit examination Lab.(T) exceeded WHO guidelines, contrasting with levels within acceptable ranges in the POCSO exhibit examination Lab.(P) and DNA exhibit examination Lab.(D). Bacterial identification unveiled different genera, predominantly Gram-positive, with diverse morphologies and species including Bacilli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus. These findings underscore the importance of stringent safety measures including enhanced sanitation protocols, adherence to PPE guidelines and targeted interventions to regulate indoor air quality, thereby fostering healthier and safer laboratory environments for personnel