Abstract

STUDY OF INDOOR AIR MICRO FLORA IN VISAKHAPATNAM CITY

Dr. Ch. Lalitha*

ABSTRACT

Our surrounding environment of outdoor as well as indoor is full of microorganisms. The strength of airflora depends on the area and type of people moving in that vicinity. Open garbage dumping, diseased people, moist inside environment, dust and cleanliness are other factors. The outer environment is uncontrollable since it is open to all. At least the microbial load of inside environment is to be determined to check the quality of indoor air that we breathe. In order to assess this practically the students of department of Microbiology has undertaken this project to assess the indoor bacterial load and fungal load at various areas of Visakhapatnam, to identify the areas among Visakhapatnam where the bacteria and fungi load is low and to determine the factors responsible for the quality of air in the rooms. 25 areas in Visakhapatnam city were assessed with settle plate technique. The total numbers of bacteria were found to be 3422 and fungi 4195. Places such as Arilova and Simhachalem are in the green zone with very less number of bacterial and fungal load since these areas are rich in vegetation. Places such as KGH, Jagadamba, Dabagardens and Old Town are in the red zone with maximum number. Gram positive bacteria(73.8%) are found in more number than Gram negative bacteria(26.2%). Spore forming bacteria(20%) were also found in the samples. Out of total fungal colonies only 5 species were identified by in the Laboratory. They are Cryptococcus sp.(13%), Cladosporium sp.(11%), Penicillium sp(10%)., Alternaria sp.(9%) and Rhodotorula sp(8%). This study has to be further extended for two more seasons in order to determine some more factors responsible for the strength of microbial load.

Keywords: Indoor air, air flora, bacteria load, fungal load, vegetation and pollution.