Abstract
Particle filters are important components of HVAC systems. Biomass accumulation on HVAC filters can potentially have adverse effects on building occupants. The research reported in this paper aims to quantitatively describe the content of biomass on HVAC filters from various indoor office environments in Singapore in relation to key governing processes. In this initial phase, filter samples were collected and analysed using DNA-based methods. The collected DNA was directly extracted from the filters and the final concentration was measured with Qubit and qPCR methods. The DNA concentrations were then related to the cumulative indoor occupancy level. The results show good correlations between bacterial DNA and cumulative occupancy. The proportion of total DNA that belongs to fungal and bacterial species decreases as occupancy level increases, probably because of biomass from other sources such as human skin cells.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Healthy Buildings 2015: America Conference - Innovation in a Time of Energy Uncertainty and Climate Adaptation |
| Pages | 90-93 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Healthy Buildings 2015: America Conference - Innovation in a Time of Energy Uncertainty and Climate Adaptation - Boulder, United States of America Duration: 19 Jul 2015 → 22 Jul 2015 |
Conference
| Conference | Healthy Buildings 2015 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | HB 2015 |
| Country | United States of America |
| City | Boulder |
| Period | 19/07/15 → 22/07/15 |
Keywords
- DNA-based analysis
- HVAC filter
- Occupancy level
- University buildings
Cite this
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Bioaccumulation on HVAC filters in university buildings in Singapore. / Luhung, Irvan; Wu, Yan; Chang, Victor W.C.; Nazaroff, William W.
Proceedings of the Healthy Buildings 2015: America Conference - Innovation in a Time of Energy Uncertainty and Climate Adaptation. 2015. p. 90-93.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Paper › Other
TY - GEN
T1 - Bioaccumulation on HVAC filters in university buildings in Singapore
AU - Luhung, Irvan
AU - Wu, Yan
AU - Chang, Victor W.C.
AU - Nazaroff, William W.
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - Particle filters are important components of HVAC systems. Biomass accumulation on HVAC filters can potentially have adverse effects on building occupants. The research reported in this paper aims to quantitatively describe the content of biomass on HVAC filters from various indoor office environments in Singapore in relation to key governing processes. In this initial phase, filter samples were collected and analysed using DNA-based methods. The collected DNA was directly extracted from the filters and the final concentration was measured with Qubit and qPCR methods. The DNA concentrations were then related to the cumulative indoor occupancy level. The results show good correlations between bacterial DNA and cumulative occupancy. The proportion of total DNA that belongs to fungal and bacterial species decreases as occupancy level increases, probably because of biomass from other sources such as human skin cells.
AB - Particle filters are important components of HVAC systems. Biomass accumulation on HVAC filters can potentially have adverse effects on building occupants. The research reported in this paper aims to quantitatively describe the content of biomass on HVAC filters from various indoor office environments in Singapore in relation to key governing processes. In this initial phase, filter samples were collected and analysed using DNA-based methods. The collected DNA was directly extracted from the filters and the final concentration was measured with Qubit and qPCR methods. The DNA concentrations were then related to the cumulative indoor occupancy level. The results show good correlations between bacterial DNA and cumulative occupancy. The proportion of total DNA that belongs to fungal and bacterial species decreases as occupancy level increases, probably because of biomass from other sources such as human skin cells.
KW - DNA-based analysis
KW - HVAC filter
KW - Occupancy level
KW - University buildings
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85052395782&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Conference Paper
SP - 90
EP - 93
BT - Proceedings of the Healthy Buildings 2015: America Conference - Innovation in a Time of Energy Uncertainty and Climate Adaptation
ER -