Bioaerosols in built and natural environments

Environmental processes mediated by bioaerosols are wide ranging. The processes include the transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and engineered genes in the environment. For example, airborne pollen-mediated gene flow from genetically modified (GM) plants has been suggested. Studies have also reported the detection of ARGs from the air, suggesting that they are spreading in the environment through the air. The sources of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms and ARGs include industries, such as livestock and poultry farming. On a global scale, bioaerosols mediate material cycles, such as nutrient and water cycles, by transporting substances contained in themselves and contributing as cloud nuclei. Moreover, bioaerosols are interrelated with the climate system by being influenced by and affecting the climate system. In this chapter, topics, such as indoor environment, industrial sources, antimicrobial resistance, GM organisms, biogeochemical cycles, and climate system related to bioaerosols, are introduced.