ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 22 June 2005
Page Count: 7

Effect of Microbial Contamination of Water-Based Metalworking Fluids on the Aerosolization of Particles and Microbial Fragments

Reponen, T
Associate Professor, Graduate Assistant, and Professor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

Wang, HX
Associate Professor, Graduate Assistant, and Professor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

Grinshpun, SA
Associate Professor, Graduate Assistant, and Professor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

(Received 5 October 2004; accepted 15 March 2005)

Abstract

Aerosolization of particles from metalworking fluids (MWFs) was studied using a laboratory-scale set-up that simulates grinding operations. Semi-synthetic MWF and soluble oil were contaminated with Pseudomonas fluorescens, and the aerosolized particles were measured using a photometric mass monitor, optical particle counter, and a condensation nucleus counter. Microbial contamination of both semi-synthetic MWF and soluble oil increased the mass concentration as measured by the photometric aerosol mass monitor and the fine particle number concentration as measured by the condensation nucleus counter. These effects were seen most clearly for the fine size range of particles aerosolized from contaminated semi-synthetic MWF. Endotoxin results indicate that the increase in the fine particle concentration occurs at least partially due to the increase in the microbial cell wall components (fragments).

Keywords:
metalworking fluid, bioaerosol, bacteria fine particles, fragments

Paper ID: JAI12838
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12838
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