Influence of Hydrodynamic Parameters on Bioaerosol Emissions in Vortex Driven Motion

Maheen Shafiq - Griffith University

14:30 - 14:45 Tuesday 09 June Afternoon

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Abstract

Bioaerosol release in vortex induced systems, such as those that occur during swirling flows in industrial and domestic settings, is crucial due to its role in the dispersion of airborne microorganisms. Hydrodynamic effects governed this phenomenon and the heat and mass transfer process occurring at the air-liquid interface during vortex driven aerosolisation. Operational parameters such as rotational speed and temperature modulate Reynolds number and turbulence levels, interfacial area, and heat transfer, thereby controlling aerosolisation. Accordingly, this study aimed to provide a framework for exploring bioaerosol generation under vortex-induced motion across different parameters. The experiment was performed by using a liquid suspension containing Escherichia coli as an indicator organism, generated by using a magnetic stirrer under controlled laboratory conditions. Vortex intensity was controlled across rotational speed, ranging from 500 to 1200 rpm. Aerosol concentration was quantified by measuring total particle concentration using a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC), while parallel impactor plate sampling (CFU/m³) was used to assess microbial viability. Experiments were varied across different speeds to evaluate the combined effects of hydrodynamic and shear stress on particle and microbial release. The results revealed that particle count and microbial release increased markedly at high rotational speed, indicating the critical role of increased surface deformation and surface turbulence in bioaerosol generation. This research establishes a quantitative link between hydrodynamic parameters and airborne particle concentration. These findings provide potential data to inform engineering control strategies, define thresholds for risk management, and support the development of empirical models for predicting bioaerosol emission rates.

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