Distribution characteristics of microbial community structure in atmospheric particulates of the typical industrial city in Jiangsu province, China

In this study, Xuzhou, a typical industrial city in the north of Jiangsu Province, was chosen to investigate the pollution level of atmospheric particulates. The proportion of fine particles (PM2.5) in PM10 is larger than that of coarse particles (about 58%). The physicochemical properties of PM2.5 were analyzed by SEM and EDS. DGGE was used to study the distribution characteristics of bacterial community structure on atmospheric particulates (TSP, PM2.5 and PM10) in different functional areas of Xuzhou city during the winter haze. It was found that the microbial populations of atmospheric particles were mainly divided into three groups: Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Pachytenella. The community structure of bacteria in fine particle size was more abundant than that in coarse particle size. When haze occurs, the concentration of all kinds of pathogens in fine particle size will increase. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the monitoring and management of fine particles.

Automated summary

The study conducted in Xuzhou revealed that during winter haze, atmospheric particles mainly consist of three groups of microbial populations, with bacteria in fine particles being more abundant than in coarse particles. The concentration of pathogens in fine particles increases when haze occurs, indicating the necessity to focus on monitoring and managing fine particles.