biostudies-literatureScungio MTerme dei PapiUniversity of TusciaTerme dei Papi (Viterbo, Italy)2009-2020https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7970810biostudies-literatureUnknown44(7)Thermal caves represent an environment characterized by unique chemical/physical properties, often used for treatment and care of musculoskeletal, respiratory, and skin diseases.However, these environments are poorly characterized for their physical and microbiological characteristics; furthermore, the recent pandemic caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the need to investigate the potential transmission scenario of SARS-CoV-2 virus in indoor environments where an in-depth analysis of the aerosol concentrations and dimensional distributions are essential to monitor the spread of the virus.This research work was carried out inside a natural cave located in Viterbo (Terme dei Papi, Italy) where a waterfall of sulfur-sulfate-bicarbonate-alkaline earth mineral thermal water creates a warm-humid Environmental geochemistry and healthCharacterization of the bioaerosol in a natural thermal cave and assessment of the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus.PMC7970810"Action for research activities related to COVID-19 emergency" Rector note n°5445, 05-05-2020,“Action for research activities related to COVID-19 emergency” Rector note n°5445, 05-05-2020,“Characterization of Bioaerosol in the Thermal Cave of Terme dei Papi and effect of environmental conditions in the decay and transmission of biological agents”"Characterization of Bioaerosol in the Thermal Cave of Terme dei Papi and effect of environmental conditions in the decay and transmission of biological agents"Crognale SLelli DCarota EScungio MCalabro GfalseCharacterization of the bioaerosol in a natural thermal cave and assessment of the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus.Thermal caves represent an environment characterized by unique chemical/physical properties, often used for treatment and care of musculoskeletal, respiratory, and skin diseases.However, these environments are poorly characterized for their physical and microbiological characteristics; furthermore, the recent pandemic caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the need to investigate the potential transmission scenario of SARS-CoV-2 virus in indoor environments where an in-depth analysis of the aerosol concentrations and dimensional distributions are essential to monitor the spread of the virus.This research work was carried out inside a natural cave located in Viterbo (Terme dei Papi, Italy) where a waterfall of sulfur-sulfate-bicarbonate-alkaline earth mineral thermal water creates a warm-humid 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Jul2025-04-20T02:30:09.395Z2024-12-03T18:23:29.449ZS-EPMC79708103368353310.1007/s10653-021-00870-w