Bacteria can travel from one continent to another in atmospheric dust: Study

Some bacteria can travel from one continent to ar 'hidden' in atmospheric dust, according to a new study which says se microbes may t only affect human and animal health, but also impact climate and ecosystems. research, published in journal Atmospheric Research, deciphered mystery of transport of microorganisms across continents via 'giant' atmospheric particles called iberulites that could be inhaled by humans.

According to scientists, including those from University of Grana (UGR) in Spain, se aerosols act like a "launch vehicle" for bacteria, and may pose risk of disease transmission across continents. y explained that iberulites are giant atmospheric bioaerosols me of multiple minerals, measuring on aver one hundred microns approximately.

While se bioaerosols were discovered in 2008, scientists said mechanism by which bacteria are involved in formation of atmospheric iberulites remained unkwn. In current study, researchers analysed atmospheric dust deposits in city of Grana in Spain.

y found that composition of se deposits was heterogeneous, comprising predominantly clay, quartz, and carbonate minerals and, iron oxides to a lesser extent. In dition to se minerals, scientists said bacteria, silicon-rich algae called diatoms, and or single-celled organisms me up biological component. y said aerosols also contained brochosomes which are microscopic granules secreted by insects such as grasshoppers.

According to study, dust originated from Sahara Desert in rth-rast Africa and local soils with evidence of atmospheric interactions between se components and clouds. Analysing iberulites, researchers found that y formed as a result of chemical and physical interactions between dust grains, microorganisms from Saharan soils which initiate aerosol formation, and water-vapour molecules from clouds. droplet of water agglutinates dust particles of different sizes in its interior toger with bacteria in suspension, study ted.

"Bacteria can survive in iberulites because se provide a nutritious medium, a microhabitat rich in nutrients, and y protect bacteria from ultraviolet riation," said Alberto Molinero Garcia, a co-author of study from UGR.

"This is demonstrated by bacterial polymeric exudates that, rar like mucilagius mucus, act as a 'glue' between mineral particles, preventing ir disaggregation and increasing ir resistance to fragility in turbulent phemena of atmosphere," Garcia ded.

According to researchers, iberulites aid microorganisms to travel great inter-continental distances on atmospheric currents such as Saharan Air Layer (SAL). y believe se aerosols may exist throughout world, primarily in those regions where dust is carried in from desert regions.