The Microbiology of the Upper Air. II

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Abstract
Collections of microorganisms present at various altitudes in the upper air were made during the course of 30 airplane flights in the vicinity of Boston. A record of the dust particles and pollen collected simultaneously was also made. The collection apparatus consisted of a sterilized metal container, within which were oil-treated lens-paper filters. The container was connected by tubing to an air inlet above the roof of the plane and air was drawn through the filters by means of a Venturi. The laboratory technique used enabled observations of only those types of microorganisms capable of aerobic growth on standard nutrient agar. Bacteria and molds were found at altitudes greater than 20,000 feet in several flights; lower altitudes had microorganisms in varying numbers. Dust particles were much more numerous than bacteria at all altitudes. Certain of the microorganisms in these collections have been isolated and identified. Observations made from collections on May 11, 1934, when a severe dust storm originating in the drought areas passed over Boston, are also included and show great increases in bacteria.

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