Potential and control method of bioaerosol emission at composting process in TPST Diponegoro University

Abstract

Laboratories in university particularly related to biological process have the potential to emit bioaerosol. The composting process in the lab is one of those that produce complex bioaerosol. This study is aimed at analyzing the potential bioaerosol emissions from the composting process at TPST and proposing efforts to reduce emissions toward outside the lab room. To calculate the emission potential of bioaerosol, specific emission factors from the literature are used.The room dimensions for composting are 2.46 x 1.38 x 0.7 m, and there are 18 spaces for the composting process. Based on the the measured dust concentration in the composting room were on average above the ambient air quality standard for TSP (230 ug/m3). Hypotetically, emissions from the composting process at TPST reach a highest point of 4x106 CFU/m3, peak at a distance of 7 m from the source of the composting process. However, the health risks associated with bioaerosol emissions are relatively small because the period of exposure to TPST operators near the composting area is quite small. Control efforts by installing a windbreak fence can minimize the amount of emissions that leave the composting area by 80%.