Characteristics and health effects of potentially pathogenic bacterial aerosols from a municipal solid waste landfill site in Hamadan, Iran

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols produced from the municipal solid waste landfill site and its health risk assessment in the Hamadan city at west of Iran. In this study, air samples were collected every month during spring and summer at six locations including the active zone, leachate collection pond, infectious waste landfill, upwind, closure landfill, and downwind using the Andersen impactor. Spatial and seasonal variations of the potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols were detected. Also, Health risk associated were estimated based on the average daily dose rates (ADD) of exposure by inhalation. The mean concentration of potentially pathogenic bacterial aerosols were 468.7 ± 140 CFU m− 3 1108.5 ± 136.9 CFU m− 3 detected in the active zone in spring and summer, respectively. Also, there was a significant relationship between meteorological parameters and bacterial concentration (p < 0.05). The predominant potential pathogenic bacterial identified in the spring were Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus sp., and Pseudomonas sp., while in summer were Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The hazard quotient (HQ) in both seasons were less of 1. Bacteria were spread throughout the landfill space, but their maximum density was observed around the active zone and leachate collection pond. This study highlights the importance of exposure to potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols in the summer and its adverse effects, especially in the MSW landfill site active zone. Finally, controlled exposure can reduce the health hazard caused by the potential pathogenic bacterial aerosols.