Fluorescence spectroscopy of atmospherically relevant bacterial and fungal spores and potential interferences

Single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy was used to study fluorescence properties of fungal spores and bacteria, selected for their possible atmospheric relevance. In addition, aromatic organic acid aerosols, potentially interfering with laser induced fluorescence measurement, were studied. The results indicate that fungal spores and bacteria have dissimilar fluorescence spectra. The tested aromatic organic acids had fluorescence properties rather similar to common biological molecules. It may be possible to classify atmospheric bacterial and fungal spores through the dissimilar fluorescence properties, but the influence of the potential interferences must be taken into account.

► Fluorescence spectra were recorded from single fungal spores and bacteria.
► Fungal spores and bacteria seem to have dissimilar fluorescence spectra.
► Bacteria and fungal spores may be distinguished through the fluorescence spectra.