Field performance of a novel passive bioaerosol sampler using polarized ferroelectric polymer films

ABSTRACTPassive bioaerosol samplers can improve environmental and health protection by enhancing the practicality and cost-effectiveness of air sampling. Here, we present the outdoor field testing of a novel, passive bioaerosol sampler, the Rutgers Electrostatic Passive Sampler (REPS), based on the use of polarized, ferroelectric polymer film (poly(vinylidene fluoride)). Four 10-day-long field campaigns were conducted to compare total (culturable + non-culturable) and culturable bioaerosol collection efficiencies of REPS to passive samplers (PTFE settling filters and agar settling plates). These collection efficiencies were calculated relative to performance of an active, reference Button Sampler. Compared to passive PTFE filters, which exclusively rely on gravitational particle deposition, REPS collected a seven-fold higher total microorganism quantity. Relative to the Button Sampler, REPS collected 25% of the total number of bacteria and fungi and 65% of the culturable bacteria. Furthermore, REPS achiev...