Comparative characterization of the performance of bio-aerosol nebulizers in connection with atmospheric simulation chambers

Abstract. The interplay of bio-aerosol dispersion and impact, meteorology, air quality is gaining increasing interest in the wide spectrum atmospheric sciences. Experiments conducted inside confined artificial environments, such as simulation chambers (ASCs), where conditions composition are controlled, can provide valuable information on viability, dispersion, impact. We focus here reproducible aerosolization injection viable microorganisms into an ASC, first crucial step any experimental protocol to expose bio-aerosols different conditions. compare performance three nebulizers specifically designed for applications: Collison nebulizer, Blaustein Atomizing Modules (BLAM), Sparging Liquid Aerosol Generator (SLAG), all manufactured commercialized by CH TECHNOLOGIES. comparison refers operating concentration bacteria at nebulizer outlet, with final goal being measure reproducibility nebulization procedures assess their application experiments ASCs. A typical bacterial test model, Escherichia coli (ATCC® 25922™), was selected characterization. Bacteria suspensions a around 108 CFU mL?1 were aerosolized pressures collected liquid impinger obtain correlation curve between airflow nebulized each generator. Afterwards, chamber ChAMBRe (Chamber Modelling Bio-aerosol Research) whole procedure. An overall 11 % (i.e., standard deviation results obtained nebulizers) through set baseline experiments.