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USGS · 70025128

Atmospheric microbiology in the northern Caribbean during African dust events

Dale W. Griffin·C.A. Kellogg·V.H. Garrison·J.T. Lisle·T.C. Borden·E.A. Shinn
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Abstract

Between July 2000 and August 2001 forty-three air samples were collected in the northern Caribbean: Twenty-six in the US Virgin Islands, and 17 samples aboard ship during two 1-week cruises. Samples were collected during African dust events and non-dust conditions and screened for the presence of culturable bacteria and fungi. A total of 3,652 liters of air were collected during non-dust conditions, with 19 bacteria and 28 fungi being recovered. During dust conditions a total of 2,369 liters of air were screened resulting in the recovery of 171 bacteria and 76 fungi. A statistically significant difference was found between the two data sets. These results support previous African dust research and further demonstrate that dust particles can serve as a vessel for the global dispersion of bacteria and fungi. Dustborne microorganisms may play a significant role in the ecology and health of downwind ecosystems.

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Dale W. Griffin, C.A. Kellogg, V.H. Garrison, J.T. Lisle, T.C. Borden, E.A. Shinn. 2003. Atmospheric microbiology in the northern Caribbean during African dust events. https://doi.org/10.1023/b%3Aaero.0000006530.32845.8d

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