Survey of Airborne Microorganisms in an Arcade-Type Traditional Market in Anseong, South Korea

Abstract

We aimed to analyze airborne microorganisms and assess air quality, temperature, and relative humidity at “J” Market, an arcade-type traditional market in Anseong (South Korea). Measurements were taken 16 times, twice per quarter (January, April, July, and October), at both the entrance and intersection of the market in 2020. The concentrations of airborne bacteria and fungi at the entrance and intersection were highest in October and lowest in April; however, they were below the recommended indoor levels (airborne bacteria: <800 CFU/m3, airborne fungi: <500 CFU/m3) in January (second measurement) and April (first and second measurements). The concentrations of microbes during the first measurement in January and both measurements in July and October exceeded the allowed limits. The concentration of microorganisms exceeded the acceptable levels at relative humidity ≥60%. At all time points, except during the eighth survey, when the microorganisms were too numerous to count, microbial concentrations were higher at the intersection than at the entrance. It was confirmed that the microorganisms detected in this experiment were 26 species of bacteria and 21 species of fungi. Three of the four species of bacteria and fungi detected in more than 50% of the 16 experimental results were pathogenic. Our findings suggest that air purification systems must be installed in the market to improve sanitary conditions.