Microbes in the built environment

In the 21st century, humans live in high-density contexts and spend a very high proportion of time inside buildings. Indoor environmental quality has so far focused more on physical and chemical pollutants, such as temperature, humidity, and odours. However, the microbial communities with which these spaces are shared have been little studied, and COVID-19 has brought focus on the role that the built environment may play in the transmission of pathogens. This Collection provides a home for emerging research into the microbial inhabitants in built environment surfaces and in air and water systems. All aspects of microbial life that occurs in built environment and infrastructure, including buildings, transport vehicles, water treatment facilities and building services are showcased in this Collection.

Submissions are welcome on a rolling basis.