Abstract
New scientific findings document that in the natural environment bacterial dispersal is faster and occurs over longer distances than previously assumed. This finding presents interesting clues to explain ecological question such as biogeographical distribution of bacteria, but it also poses elements of risks such as spread of pathogens, dispersal of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) and transport of alien organisms. There is however a surprisingly large gap in information related to airborne microorganisms which makes risk assessments practically impossible. This project intends to determine the quantity, identity and viability of airborne microorganisms in a transect of the atmosphere from the Skagerrak to the Baltic, complemented with samples near the Ottenby Bird Observatory. The latter sampling location is chosen due to the implication of airborne transport of viruses transmitted by birds. The suggested sampling strategy will allow identification of the "normal flora" of airborne particles which in turn will allow target microorganisms to be detected as "disturbances" in the normal pattern. Microbial quantification, identification and characterization will be done using current molecular methods, electron microscopy and adapted cultivation techniques. The project will provide information of relevance for both basic science and for the performance of risk analysis related to airborne transfer of microorganisms.
Sweden