Effects of air pollutants on microorganisms

The toxic effect of ozone has been used to purify water, and in the food industry to control the growth of contaminating bacteria and fungi, and to control fungal growth on Cheddar cheese, bread, lemons and apples [4]. 

Formaldehyde vapour generated from formaldehyde solution is an effective space disinfectant for decontaminating rooms or buildings. It inactivates vegetative bacteria, bacterial spores, and viruses. Formaldehyde 

Sulphur dioxide and metabisulphite is used in wine making, as a general preservative for fruit juices. 

Lichens are very sensitive indicators of sulphur dioxide pollution and their absence has been reported in many parts of the world. The primary target for the action of sulphur dioxide seems to be the algal symbiont, but the fungal symbiont is also negatively affected. 

Hydrogen fluoride and the volatile fluorides released from aluminium factories also adversely affect the lichen flora [17]. 

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