Size and Fluorescence Measurements for Field Detection of Biological Aerosols

Abstract

This paper describes an instrument developed to monitor the biological fraction of an aerosol. The instrument simultaneously sizes individual particles in a flowing air stream and measures their total fluorescence following excitation at 266 nm. Laboratory data show that these two parameters enable discrimination between individuals of certain bacterial species. Field measurements are presented in which bacterial samples were aerosolized and subsequently detected 800 m downwind.