A new approach to UVAPS data analysis towards detection of biological aerosol

Laboratory and outdoor measurements of various bioaerosols, with UVAPS 3314 biodetector, were performed. Two methods of analysis of the data recorded were compared. Our completely new approach with use of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis showed the possibility of increasing classification selectivity of the UVAPS. The laboratory experiments showed that bacteria, fungi and pollens form distinguishable clusters. Outdoor tests showed that discrimination between ambient air and the released bioaerosols was possible. All background samples were classified properly. Contrary to this, the commonly used method, based on percentage of fluorescent particles, did not produce distinct threshold between the samples examined: thus, many background measurements were identical to the dispersed aerosols. However, fluorescent fraction for ambient air was lower than for endospores or Luria-Bertani broth. We expect that our method of analysis will extend the UVAPS selectivity in differentiation of potentially hazardous bioaerosols. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.