Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

Which of the following couldn't be analyzed from a spore trap sample?

1. Spores

2. Pollen

3. Fiberglass

4. Bacteria

The correct answer is: Bacteria

The analysis of spore trap samples allows for the identification and quantification of various airborne particles, particularly biological materials. Spores, pollen, and even synthetic materials like fiberglass can be captured and analyzed through this method due to their size and structure, making them suitable for spore trap sampling. However, bacteria are much smaller than spores and pollen and often require different sampling and culturing techniques to effectively isolate and study them. Bacteria typically necessitate methods like air sampling plates or impaction techniques that capture them in a viable state, rather than relying on settling traps meant for larger particles. As a result, spore traps are not designed to accurately collect or analyze bacteria, which is why they cannot be assessed from a spore trap sample.