Airborne bacteria in Kuwait (1986–1988)

Totally 341 outdoors air samples were taken by Casella Airborne Sampler at a height of 7 m in the Allergy Centre of Kuwait between 1986 and 1988. Bacillus was detected in 85.3% of the samples. Micrococcus (71.3%), Staphylococcus albus (65.4%). Gram-positive rods (53.4%) were more prevalent than gram-negative rods (23.7%). Higher counts were seen in 1986 (500 CFU m−3) compared to 1987 (407 CFU m−3) and 1988 (369 CFU m−3). Relatively higher counts were seen in August and September and a smaller peak was found in February and March. The correlation between the various types was always positive and was frequently highly significant. High counts were seen with strong winds. Among the meteorological factors, wind speed was the only significant factor. High average of bacteria counts were found when winds were blowing from the land (574 CFU m−3) compared with the sea (346.5 CFU m−3). Higher average counts were observed in the days with sand storms (1769 CFU m−3), with rising sand (534.8 CFU m−3) and the other days with dust phenomena, compared with clear weather (317 CFU m−3).