Impact of outdoor air on indoor airborne microbiome under hazy air pollution: A case study in winter Beijing

Exposure to indoor airborne microbiomes (bioaerosols) is closely associated with human health. However, knowledge regarding the characteristics of indoor bioaerosols in areas affected by serious ambient air pollution is still limited. In this study, indoor bioaerosols were characterized in winter Beijing via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and amplicon sequencing, and compared to outdoor bioaerosols. Concentrations of indoor bioaerosol were significantly lower than those of the adjacent outdoor bioaerosol, and were not significantly affected by outdoor air pollution. Community structures of indoor bioaerosol were distinct from those of outdoor environment, and were differentially affected by ambient air pollution. Specifically, significant change was observed in indoor fungal community impacted by hazy air pollution, while not in bacteria and archaea. Compared to outdoor air, indoor air was preferentially enriched with fungi (similar to 10%) in winter. Besides, about 40% of the bacteria indoors were likely contributed by outdoor bacteria. The results provide useful information regarding the impact of ambient air pollution on indoor bioaerosols, and furtherly highlight the distinction between indoor and outdoor bioaerosol assemblies.

Automated summary

Exposure to indoor airborne microbiomes is closely linked to human health. In this study, indoor bioaerosols in winter Beijing were characterized, showing lower concentrations compared to outdoor bioaerosols. The community structures of indoor bioaerosols were distinct from outdoor ones and were differently affected by ambient air pollution, with significant changes observed in indoor fungal community impacted by hazy air pollution.