Bioaerosol Sampling for Viral Detection in Public Spaces: Application of Bioaerosol Sampling Devices in Long-Term Monitoring of Airborne Pathogens in a Railway Station and a Subway Station

Abstract

This thesis investigates the effectiveness of the BC500 impact-based bioaerosol sampling device for detecting airborne viruses in both laboratory and real-world environments. By optimizing sampling and post-processing conditions, the BC500 demonstrated an impressive detection limit as low as 0.35 copy/L for airborne viruses during laboratory evaluation. In field applications at high-traffic public spaces, such as Beijing Railway Station and Xidan Subway Station, the device successfully detected SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B. Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 was found in 52.9% of samples at Beijing Railway Station and 44.4% at Xidan Subway Station. Influenza A was detected in 47.1% of samples from the railway station and 18.5% from the subway station, while Influenza B appeared in 23.5% and 7.4% of the samples respectively. These findings underscore the widespread presence of airborne viruses in crowded environments, demonstrating the value of BC500, a non-intrusive and highly sensitive tool for public health surveillance. The significant detection rates of multiple pathogens in this study highlight the need for enhanced public health measures, including regular bioaerosol monitoring and improved ventilation, to mitigate airborne transmission in densely populated areas. Furthermore, integrating bioaerosol sampling into existing surveillance frameworks could enable early outbreak detection, supporting timely responses to emerging health threats. This research contributes to the standardization of bioaerosol sampling practices and underscores its vital role in strengthening public health monitoring and response efforts.