Size and fluorescence measurements for field detection of biological aerosols

This paper describes an instrument developed to monitor the biological frac tion of an aerosol. The instrument simultaneously sizes individual particle s in a flowing air stream and measures their total fluorescence following e xcitation at 266 mm, Laboratory data show that these two parameters enable discrimination between individuals of certain bacterial species. Field meas urements are presented in which bacterial samples were aerosolized and subs equently detected 800 m downwind.