title: Detection of Legionella spp. by a nested-PCR assay in air samples of a wastewater treatment plant and downwind distances in Isfahan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Wastewater contains a variety of pathogens and bio -aerosols generated during the wastewater treatment process, which could be a potential health risk for exposed individuals. This study was carried out to detect Legionella spp. in the bio -aerosols generated from different processes of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Isfahan, Iran, and the downwind distances.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 54 air samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of Legionella spp. by a nested- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. A liquid impingement biosampler was used to capture bio -aerosols. The weather conditions were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Legionella were detected in 6% of the samples, including air samples above the aeration tank (1/9), belt filter press (1/9), and 250 m downwind (1/9).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The result of this study revealed the presence of Legionella spp. in air samples of a WWTP and downwind distance, which consequently represent a potential health risk to the exposed individuals.
authors: Department of Environmental Health Engineering and Environment Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Seyyed Abbas
authors: SA
authors: Mirzaee
authors: Department of Environmental Health Engineering and Environment Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Mahnaz
authors: M
authors: Nikaeen
authors: Department of Environmental Health Engineering and Environment Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Yaghob
authors: Y
authors: Hajizadeh
authors: Department of Environmental Health Engineering and Environment Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: BiBi Fatemeh
authors: BF
authors: Nabavi
authors: Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Akbar
authors: A
authors: Hassanzadeh
keywords: Air; Bio –aerosol; Legionella spp.; nested- PCR; wastewater treatment plant