Fate and transport of microorganisms in the air

This chapter describes survival of microorganisms in the atmosphere and their fate in relation to the climatic factors affecting their abundance and deposition. Microorganisms get to the atmosphere through the agents of wind, soil, animals, and human activities. Climatic conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, and radiation have major effects on the fate of bioaerosols suspension in the atmosphere and influence the deposition by gravitational settling on surfaces. This chapter highlights the possibility of long-distance travel of bioaerosol from one continent to the other such as the transatlantic dissemination of fungal spores. It equally highlights the effects of airborne microbial pathogens on plants and animals including human population. The public health significance of these airborne microorganisms is also given due consideration. This chapter elucidates the global effects of the distribution of the microorganisms on global health and safety of world population.