Asian Journal of Research in Biosciences

Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, pollen, and their fragments, which play an important role in atmospheric processes and human health. These are released into the atmosphere from a combination of natural and human-made sources. Their distribution varies significantly across space and time, influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind patterns, land use, and human activities. This study provides an overview of bioaerosol sources, characteristics, and key atmospheric processes, including emission, transport, dispersion, and transformation. Bioaerosols originate from both natural sources, such as soil, vegetation, and water bodies, and anthropogenic activities, including agriculture, industrial operations, and waste treatment. Their size, typically ranging from 0.02 µm to 100 µm, determines their atmospheric behavior and deposition within the respiratory system. Environmental conditions, particularly ultraviolet radiation and humidity, affect their survival and transformation during atmospheric transport. Human exposure occurs mainly through inhalation, along with direct contact and deposition in the respiratory tract. Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing the risk of health effects. Bioaerosols are associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis, and allergic and inflammatory responses. Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk. Understanding the interactions between environmental drivers and bioaerosol dynamics is essential for effective monitoring, risk assessment, and the development of mitigation strategies to protect public health. This review provides a foundation for future studies by identifying key knowledge gaps in bioaerosol sources, behavior, and health effects.