Spatial Variation of Bioaeorol Levels in the Urban Atmosphere of Ankara

Bioaerosol samples were collected from 10 different districts (Beytepe, Tandogan, Dikimevi, Kizilay, Dikmen, Ulus, Altindag, Falaba, Ivedik and Demetevler) of Ankara city. In this Study, spatial variation of both bacteria and mold levels and species were investigated in which ambient bioaerosol samples collected from these areas and influence of meteorological factors on bioaerosol levels were estimated by modeling. Total bacteria concentratio is ranged between 160 and 1560 CFU m(-3). Temperature values were between 27 and 40 degrees C; relative hum dity values were 10-40% and CO2 concentrations varied between 310 and 353 ppm, which were measured simultaneously with the sampling. Total mold levels ranged between 40 and 85 CFU m(2). The most predominant bacteria species observed in all districts were Micrococcus spp. and Bacillus species, while the most abundant mold were Exophiala, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium. According to regression model, it was estimated that meteorological factors affected both levels of bacteria and mold (p<0.05). Total bacteria l(vel varied with temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation flux and pressure (r(2)=0.90), while total mold level varied with wind speed and solar radiation flux (r(2)=0.70).