Performance of a Novel Personal Passive Sampler in a Calm-Air Environment

TAEWON HAN, Gediminas Mainelis, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

     Abstract Number: 188
     Working Group: Bioaerosols

Abstract
This research further advanced the novel Personal Rutgers Electrostatic Passive Sampler (P-REPS) for improved bioaerosol sampling performance, focusing on maintaining sample viability and culturability during long-term sampling. The 37 mm and 47 mm wide P-REPS versions incorporate a base with a clip, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film holder, and a static-dissipative outer shell. Inside P-REPS, the permanently polarized ferroelectric PVDF film is placed in a holder and wound in a spiral configuration, with opposing polarized surfaces facing each other and spaced 2.25 mm apart to create a sufficiently strong electrostatic field between the layers. Small magnets are incorporated into all three parts, allowing quick assembly and disassembly. Both sampler versions are 1-inch tall and designed to be worn in the personal breathing zone.

The P-REPS prototypes were tested in a newly built walk-in chamber using various bacteria and fungi, and their performance was compared against 37 mm PTFE settle filters and IOM personal samplers. P-REPS were placed in the “breathing zone” of two rotating manikins. Four-hour samples collected by all devices were eluted and analyzed using adenosine triphosphate (ATP), microscopy, and culture techniques. The Relative Luminescence Units (RLU) of cells captured by the P-REPS exceeded those collected by a settle filter by a factor of 3-4, indicating the effectiveness of the passive electrostatic capture mechanism compared to gravity alone. Comparison of microorganism concentrations measured by P-REPS and IOM showed that P-REPS achieves an equivalent sampling rate of about 0.5-1 L/min, i.e., comparable to active personal samplers. These results show that P-REPS offers a viable and easy-to-use tool to estimate personal exposure to biological aerosols.