Growth Dynamics of Dust-Borne Bacteria on Atmospheric Dust Substrates and Potential Implications

The atmospheric dust cycle serves as a global conduit for microorganisms, with implications for environmental processes, ecosystem health, and human well-being. This study investigates the growth dynamics of dust-borne bacteria, focusing on their ability to thrive on atmospheric dust substrates, the characterization of the microbiome, their localization, and interactions. Dust samples collected from the eastern Mediterranean were cultured to identify selected bacterial with versatile metabolic capacities that are often associated with significant ecological and health impacts. We will present our findings of their growth patterns, substrate utilization, and environmental tolerance, explored under laboratory conditions. Our preliminary findings highlight the diversity of dust-borne bacterial community, their potential interactions, and their durability in different environmental conditions and anthropogenic effects.