Microbial Identification on High Efficiency Air Filter of Two Civil Aircrafts

Objective To identify the microbial contamination of the high efficiency air filter in civil aircrafts.

Methods The sampling was carried out by smearing the surface of screens installed at the internal outlet of high efficiency air filter in November 2015 and January 2016. A total of 48 bacteria and 75 fungi samples were collected from 2 Boeing aircrafts with different service years.The microbial species were identified with molecular biotechnology.

Results The total number of bacteria and fungi counts on the inlet and outlet sides of recirculation fan were significantly different (P < 0.05); and the difference between the two planes with different service years was also significantly different (P < 0.05).The dominant bacteria strains on the inlet surface was identified as Bacterium, and the preponderant fungi strains were Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Mycosphaerella, Leptosphaerulina and Penicillium.

Conclusions  The bacteria and fungi from the outlet side of high efficiency air filter fan were far fewer than those from the inlet side.The next research on plane disinfection should focus on the surface of seats, catering rooms and toilets of aircraft cabins other than the cabin air.