Microbiology of the Upper Air

Abstract

An improved apparatus and technique were developed for the collection, photographic recording and cultural studies of the microflora and particulate matter in the upper air. The apparatus can be sterilized as a complete unit, thereby minimizing contamination during installation or removal from the airship. Possibility of contamination in the handling of the samples in the laboratory is reduced by simplifying the manipulatory technique required. The collector is an improvement on an earlier model and has been modified to permit microscopic examination of the material collected, photographic recording and culture with a minimum of manipulation. Using this equipment, 40 flights were made over Greater Boston from Nov., 1936, through June, 1937. 16 bacteria and 19 molds were collected. The bacteria are predominantly spore formers of the genus Bacillus; the molds belong largely in Penicillium and Aspergillus. Various unidentified particles were recorded on 35 mm. film for further study.