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Atmospheric microbiology in the northern Caribbean during African dust events

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Abstract

Between July 2000 and August 2001 forty-threeair samples were collected in the northernCaribbean: Twenty-six in the US VirginIslands, and 17 samples aboard ship during two1-week cruises. Samples were collected duringAfrican dust events and non-dust conditions andscreened for the presence of culturablebacteria and fungi. A total of 3,652 liters ofair were collected during non-dust conditions,with 19 bacteria and 28 fungi being recovered.During dust conditions a total of 2,369 litersof air were screened resulting in the recoveryof 171 bacteria and 76 fungi. A statisticallysignificant difference was found between thetwo data sets. These results support previousAfrican dust research and further demonstratethat dust particles can serve as a vessel forthe global dispersion of bacteria and fungi.Dustborne microorganisms may play a significantrole in the ecology and health of downwindecosystems.

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  1. US Geological Survey, Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA

    Dale W. Griffin, Christina A. Kellogg, Virginia H. Garrison, John T. Lisle & Eugene A. Shinn

  2. US Geological Survey, Volunteer, Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA

    Timothy C. Borden

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  2. Christina A. Kellogg
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Griffin, D.W., Kellogg, C.A., Garrison, V.H. et al. Atmospheric microbiology in the northern Caribbean during African dust events. Aerobiologia 19, 143–157 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:AERO.0000006530.32845.8d

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