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Abstract: Abstract Timely information on the beginning of the flowering of important plant species of pollen allergens is consequential for the entire population due to pollen allergy and its extensive clinical impact worldwide. This paper examines the prediction of the beginning of the flowering of the common hazel (Corylus avellana) based on the PhenoClim phenological model using long-term phenological observations (1991–2020) in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, temporal and spatial evaluations of the beginning of the flowering of C. avellana were examined in different climate zones in the Czech Republic within the same period. In total, 40 phenological stations at altitudes from 155 to 743 m asl located in warm, medium warm, and cold climate zones were evaluated using the Mann–Kendall test. The beginning of the flowering of C. avellana changed progressively in timing, and the difference in the rate of shifts was between −33 and + 15 days per the entire period. An extreme shift to an earlier date was detected at stations located in a warm region (W2). In contrast, the highest shift to a later date was found at stations located in the cold climate regions (C4, C6, C7). Using the PhenoClim, the base temperature and temperature sums were calculated for the beginning of the flowering of the common hazel. As the most accurate predictor for this phenological phase and species, the maximum air temperature was determined as the best predictor based on the combination of RMSE and R2 values. The optimal start day for calculation was January 1st; the threshold (base temperature) was 2.7 °C with a temperature sum of 155.7 °C. The RMSE value was 5.46, and the MBE value was −0.93. The simulated data showed an excellent correlation with the observed data—the correlation coefficient was 0.932. The PhenoClim model results can be used in the forecast modelling of the beginning of the flowering of the common hazel in the Czech Republic. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Abstract Biological contaminants mainly consisting of living or dead microorganisms and compounds or fragments of plants and animal origin are gaining widespread research interest in recent years due to their ubiquitous presence along with their health effects on humans. Students spend a significant time of the day in educational institutions, which increases the cumulative health risk over the years. This review discusses the major biological contaminants, sampling strategies, health effects, and the factors affecting their prevalence in educational institutions. Fungi and bacteria were the most reported bio-contaminants followed by allergens and endotoxins. Exposure to bio-contaminants may result in acute and chronic respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, allergies, building-related illnesses, and even cancer. More research is needed to know the susceptibility of different age groups of students, formulation of guideline values, standard protocols for sampling, and proper diagnostic tests for diseases caused by bio-contaminants. Students should be made aware of the various aspects of indoor air quality such that they become inquisitive towards the same and become responsible for safety and hygiene. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Abstract The Hirst-type pollen trap (1952) is the most common device for aerobiological measurements of pollen and fungal spores in ambient air. In the 1960s the in-line flowmeter was removed and studies since then showed considerable variability in the airflow pumped through the instrument when using hand-held rotameters with an internal airflow resistance to adjust flowrates. To avoid this problem, our study compared the variability of airflow rates of Hirst-type traps when using commercially-available low-resistance airflow meters (heat anemometers) at various timescales. Experiments were conducted in Munich (Germany) and Payerne (Switzerland), using 4 different easyFlux® instruments and 6 Hirst-type pollen traps. Measurements were taken on an hourly basis from dawn to dusk at both locations, and in addition at Payerne, weekly observations over a period of one year. When using the common hand-held rotameters (with airflow resistance) the flow was 28.3% lower than with resistance-free flowmeter (i.e., measured 10 L/min which was in reality 12.8 L/min). The coefficient of variation between the four easyFlux® devices ranged from 0.32% to 1.55% over one day and from 2.88% to 8.17% over an entire year. Some of the traps showed surprising flow variations during the day. Furthermore, flowrates deviated more when measurements were made at the point where the double-sided tape is behind the orifice than elsewhere on the drum. The measurements away from this point are representative of the flow rates for most of the period of operation and flow calibration should thus be carried out away from this point, contrary to the current procedure. PubDate: 2023-02-19
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Abstract: Abstract There is a need for information on pollen exposure to assess allergy risk. Monitoring of aeroallergens in a city is usually limited to the use of a single trap for the whole area. While a single trap provides enough information on background pollen concentration for the area, varying pollen exposure across different urban environments, however, is not considered. In this study, we analysed aerobiological data of three pollen seasons (2017–2020) recorded with a volumetric pollen trap in Sydney, Australia. In order to assess spatial differences in pollen exposure across the city, we installed ten gravimetric traps recording pollen deposition for eight weeks during the summer of 2019/2020. We considered the influence of meteorological variables, land use, urbanisation and distance to the sea. Our results showed differences in pollen season characteristics across the three analysed seasons and correlations with meteorological parameters. Considering all years, we found for Poaceae and Alternaria the strongest positive correlation with mean temperature and for Myrtaceae and Cupressaceae with maximum temperature. Likewise, there were negative correlations with humidity (Myrtaceae, Cupressaceae, Alternaria) and precipitation (Myrtaceae, Cupressaceae). Days with medically relevant pollen and spore concentrations varied between years and we recorded the highest amount in 2017/2018 for Poaceae and Alternaria and in 2019/2020 for Myrtaceae. In addition, we found spatial and temporal variations of pollen deposition. However, we did not detect significant correlations between pollen deposition and land use, which can be attributable to drought conditions prior to the sampling campaign and the temporal setting in the pollen season. This study highlights the importance of continuous volumetric aerobiological monitoring as well as the assessment of pollen exposure at several locations across a large urban area. PubDate: 2023-02-16
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Abstract: Abstract Ramularia leaf spot is a major economic disease of barley caused by the dothidiomycete fungus Ramularia collo-cygni. The fungus has a complex life cycle which includes extensive late season spore release events and a seed-borne phase. Predicting disease epidemics during the growing season remains a difficult challenge. To better understand the interaction between spore movement and disease epidemics, spore samplers were set up in Germany (two sites over 4 years), Poland (seven sites over 2 years) and the UK (two sites over 9 years), where the disease has been observed. Spore concentrations were determined using a real time PCR assay, and meteorological data were obtained from co-located automatic stations. Spore release events were seen to peak in June on mainland Europe and July in the UK. The pattern of spore release was broadly similar across countries with earlier peaks in mainland Europe. A relationship was observed in the UK between July spore levels and disease in following winter barley crops. Rainfall and temperature were proposed as significant drivers of spore release in these months. The major environmental parameter associated with spore release across the two UK sites was crop surface wetness, although some site-specific interactions were noted for rainfall and wind movement. Regression analysis of spore patterns and disease epidemics indicates a relationship between spore levels 75–105 days pre harvest and final disease levels in UK winter barley crops. This relationship was not observed in spring barley. The implications on risk forecasts are discussed. PubDate: 2023-02-09
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Abstract: Abstract We present the first implementation of the monitoring of airborne fungal spores in real-time using digital holography. To obtain observations of Alternaria spp. spores representative of their airborne stage, we collected events measured in the air during crop harvesting in a contaminated potato field, using a Swisens Poleno device. The classification algorithm used by MeteoSwiss for operational pollen monitoring was extended by training the system using this additional dataset. The quality of the retrieved concentrations is evaluated by comparison with parallel measurements made with a manual Hirst-type trap. Correlations between the two measurements are high, especially over the main dispersion period of Alternaria spp., demonstrating the potential for automatic real-time monitoring of fungal spores. PubDate: 2023-02-05
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Abstract: Abstract Studies have shown that the aquatic algae can cause allergy in humans. However, there are relatively few studies of airborne and soil algae on skin allergenicity. Therefore, we aimed to assess the skin allergenicity potential of airborne and soil algae isolated from Malaysia. Six algal species namely Scenedesmus sp., Stichococcus sp., Chlorococcum sp., Chlorella sp., Ulothrix sp. and Hapalosiphon sp. isolated from air and soil samples were screened based on the expression of IL-18 by NCTC 2544 keratinocytes in vitro assay. The mechanism of Stichococcus sp., Hapalosiphon sp. and Scenedesmus sp. in inducing skin allergenicity was further elucidated using Balb/c mouse model. Both proliferation of T-lymphocytes at local lymph nodes and expression of various acute inflammatory cytokines were assessed. The in vitro study showed that all algal extracts (1 mg/mL) except Ulothrix sp. were potential contact sensitisers and induced the expression of IL-18 by 0.369–5.227 pg/mg (IL-18/unit protein) in NCTC 2544 cells. The in vivo study revealed that Scenedesmus sp., Hapalosiphon sp. and Stichococcus sp. were able to induce skin sensitisation in mice with a stimulation index (SI) greater than 1.6 in the local lymph node assay (LLNA) suggesting these three algae species can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In addition, they are able to stimulate the expression of acute inflammatory cytokines such as GM-CSF, IL-1α and TNF-α. It was concluded that airborne and soil algae are potential contact allergens and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. PubDate: 2023-02-01
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Abstract: Abstract This study assessed the concentration characteristics of culturable airborne microbes in 60 family homes with children aged 1–15 years in Hangzhou, southeast China. The concentration of culturable airborne microbes ranged from 314 colony-forming units (CFU)/m3 to 2903 CFU/m3, with a mean value of 873 CFU/m3. The mean fungal concentration (653 CFU/m3) was significantly higher than the mean bacterial concentration of the atmosphere (220 CFU/m3), and the proportion of airborne fungi (73.9%) was significantly higher than that of airborne bacteria (26.1%). Microbial concentrations in family homes with a male child were significantly higher than those in homes with a female child, and there was a negative correlation between microbial concentration and living area per capita in family homes. The mean microbial concentration was highest in summer, followed by spring and autumn, and lowest in winter. This study provides an exposure database of airborne microbes in family homes in southeast China, suggesting that child gender and human occupancy in family homes significantly influence the microbial concentration in the air. PubDate: 2023-01-31
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Abstract: Abstract Airborne particles, bacteria and fungi consist main determinants of indoor air quality. In this study, these characteristics were investigated in two exhibition halls of the Historical Museum of Crete, in comparison with the outdoor environment. In Zacharias Portalakis (ZP) hall, three air purifiers were operating during museum opening hours, as opposed to El Greco (EG) hall. A significant part of ultrafine (< 1 μm) particles was efficiently removed by the air purifiers in ZP hall. Airborne coarse particles PN2.5–10 were associated with human occupancy in both halls, indicating transportation from visitors and resuspension as possible sources. Average airborne bacterial concentration was also lower in ZP than in EG hall, assessed by both molecular and culture-dependent methods. The bacterial and fungal communities of both indoor halls were distinct from the outdoor counterpart. Micrococcus and Staphylococcus, in terms of bacteria, and Alternaria and Malassezia, in terms of fungi, were the most abundant genera indoors, most of them being human-related. Hierarchical clustering of indoor samples indicated that EG hall bacteria were similar to ZP hall bacteria collected on the same day, but varied between different sampling dates. This observation, together with the bacterial beta-diversity analysis, implied that both indoor halls probably shared common bacterial source(s), while the respective fungal pattern of the two indoor halls was found significantly separated. The outdoor air contribution in EG and ZP hall bacterial profile presented a comparable fluctuation pattern; this was not observed for fungi, probably indicating the complexity of potential sources for different fungal taxa. PubDate: 2022-12-24 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09775-2
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Abstract: Abstract The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) hosts the largest volunteer-contributed collection of plant phenology observations in the USA. The potential contributions of these spatially and temporally explicit observations of flowers and pollen cones to the field of aerobiology remain largely unexplored. Here, we introduce this freely available dataset and demonstrate its prospective applications for modeling airborne pollen in a case study. Specifically, we compare the timing of 4265 observations of flowering for oak (Quercus) trees in the eastern USA to winter–spring temperatures. We then use this relationship to predict the day of peak flowering at 15 pollen monitoring stations in 15 years and compare the predicted day of peak flowering to the peak day of measured pollen (n = 111 station-years). There was a strong association between winter–spring temperature and the presence of open flowers (r2 = 0.66, p < 0.0001) and the predicted peak flowering was strongly correlated with peak airborne pollen concentrations (r2 = 0.81, p < 0.0001). These results demonstrate the potential for the USA-NPN’s phenological observations to underpin source-based models of airborne pollen. We also highlight opportunities for leveraging and enhancing this near real-time dataset for aerobiological applications. PubDate: 2022-12-23 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09774-3
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Abstract: Abstract Up-to-date reporting of atmospheric pollen contents is essential to assist doctors and allergy sufferers alike to undertake treatment or preventative measures. We have evaluated the extent of the digitally accessible knowledge (DAK) created by the Spanish network of pollen monitoring stations and analyzed the gaps in three main DAK factors: data completeness, data obsolescence, and data publication. Data from 118 distinct stations were discovered, of which one in four seemed to have discontinued publication of updated data either continuously or seasonally. While two-thirds of the sites published data through their own local portals, only about one-half also contributed daily data to the two main aggregators in the country (SEAIC and REA), which in turn were the only outlets available for one-tenth of the sites. The analysis revealed the probable existence of completely obscure sites recording, but not reporting, data. Recovering or surfacing dormant or silent sites may significantly improve the DAK about pollen in Spain. PubDate: 2022-12-19 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09776-1
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Abstract: Abstract In recent years, significant efforts have been made to study changes in the levels of air pollutants at regional and urban scales, and changes in bioaerosols during air pollution events have attracted increasing attention. In this study, the bacterial structure of PM2.5 was analysed under different environmental conditions during hazy and non-hazy periods in Guilin. A total of 32 PM2.5 samples were collected in December 2020 and July 2021, and the microbial community structures were analysed using high-throughput sequencing methods. The results show that air pollution and climate change alter the species distribution and community diversity of bacteria in PM2.5, particularly Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas. The structure of the bacterial community composition is related to diurnal variation, vertical height, and urban area and their interactions with various environmental factors. This is a comprehensive study that characterises the variability of bacteria associated with PM2.5 in a variety of environments, highlighting the impacts of environmental effects on the atmospheric microbial community. The results will contribute to our understanding of haze trends in China, particularly the relationship between bioaerosol communities and the urban environment. PubDate: 2022-12-19 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09777-0
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Abstract: Abstract Fungal aerosols deteriorate library collections and can impact human health, mainly via respiratory diseases. Their spread is influenced by factors such as temperature and relative humidity. This study aims to assess the concentration of fungal aerosols in the interior environment of the Popular Library of Gaira in the District of Santa Marta, Colombia, using a two-stage cascade impactor utilizing Sabouraud dextrose agar on Petri dishes for the collection of samples. The sampler was positioned at 1.5 m above ground level, operated with a flow rate of 28.3 l/min for 4 min and thermo-hygrometric conditions were also recorded. Concentrations in the air of up to 1197.0 CFU/m3 were reported, with a mean value close to 150 CFU/m3. Higher values during the morning samples were noted. Seven genera of fungi were found, Aspergillus and Curvularia were the most abundant. The temperature was between 30.80 and 33.51 °C, and the relative humidity was between 62.61 and 64.80%. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the fungal aerosol concentration and relative humidity, where an increase of 10% in moisture could double the fungal aerosol concentration. We concluded that potentially favorable conditions exist indoors for the growth and survival of the following fungi: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Curvularia, and to a lesser extent for Chrysonilia, Cunninghamella, and Paecylomices. Relative humidity was seen to be the factor that affects the concentration of aerosols fungal in the library most significantly. PubDate: 2022-12-02 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09772-5
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Abstract: Abstract Pollen grains are released from plants and rupture, releasing pollen grain fragments referred to as subpollen particles (SPPs). This study is a laboratory evaluation of live oak, Quercus virginiana, to determine the environmental conditions needed to emit SPPs and measure the concentration of SPPs produced. To represent conventional SPP release, live oak branches were exposed to high relative humidity (> 95%), followed by reduced relative humidity (73.5%-76.3%) and wind (up to 1.8 m s−1). In contrast, wind-driven SPP release experiments were conducted by exposing branches to constant relative humidity while cycling fans used to simulate winds. Wind-driven experiments produced maximum SPP concentrations as high as 3.3 × 102 ± 2.7 × 102 SPPs per cm3. The maximum SPP emissions during conventional SPP release experiments were as high as 7.3 × 101 ± 3.4 × 101 SPPs per cm3. The total number of SPPs emitted during conventional SPP release experiments was not significantly different from the SPP emissions during wind-driven SPP release experiments at a 5% significance level. The concentration of SPPs generated from pollen grains was used to calculate SPP emission factors. SPP emission factors were determined to be between 1.6 × 104 and 9.0 × 104 SPPs per pollen grain and between 4.7 × 1012 and 2.2 × 1015 SPPs per m2. These results indicate that SPPs represent a significant source of cloud-forming aerosol and have the ability to impact respiratory health. PubDate: 2022-12-01 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09773-4
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Abstract: Abstract Exposure to wastewater treatment system (WWTS)-associated bioaerosols is not only linked with macro/field scale systems but also facilities which are operated in micro- and/or indoor environment such as university campus and research institutions. In this context, investigations on a laboratory-scale WWTS, adopting a sequential batch biofilm process and fed with synthetic municipal wastewater, were done in terms of its global treatment performance and characterization of emitted bioaerosols species. The microbial diversity of captured bioaerosols, collected through conventional particulate matter samplers, was identified on the basis of their metabolic properties using analytical profile index, biochemical tests, and other media specific growth patterns. Monitoring and analysis results of air quality in control and experimental period revealed that particulate emission from bioreactor increased the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 up to 26.49 ± 4.18 µg/m3 and 12.84 ± 2.48 µg/m3 from an initial level of 17.26 ± 4.58 µg/m3 and 8.70 ± 1.84 µg/m3, respectively. Microscopic observations and staining characteristics revealed that cocci shape gram-negative and bacilli shape gram-positive bacteria dominated the bioaerosols with quantitative contribution as 70% and 9%, respectively. Based on the morphological and biochemical characterization, dominant isolated genera of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in bioaerosols were identified as Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp. with % dominance as 38.46, 13.46, 9.61 and 25, respectively. Overall, the findings of this study reiterate the concern of biological air pollution in research laboratories and represent an inevitable aspect for the validation of bioaerosol exposure in laboratory-scale WWTS workplaces. PubDate: 2022-11-04 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09763-6
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Abstract: Abstract Since research began in diatom ecology, scientists have focussed more on diatoms from aquatic habitats as opposed to aerial habitats. In this paper, we present the first dataset on diatoms from aerial habitats in the Indo-Burma hot spot. We have chosen the Blue Mountain region to collect tree mosses, an aerial habitat where diatoms thrive. We have addressed diatom composition and diversity in relation to altitude. Twenty-two moss samples were collected and 53 diatom taxa belonging to 21 genera were discovered and enumerated using light microscopy. The diatom flora of tree mosses is dominated by acidophilous genera Eunotia and Luticola, with both of the most abundant species Orthoseira roeseana and Luticola acidoclinata being euaerial and oligotraphentic diatoms. The samples from 1902-m altitude had the highest species diversity. Species richness was 8–22 diatom per sample, with an average of 14. The species accumulation curve shows that more diatom species will be discovered with additional sampling of aerial habitats in the Blue Mountain region. PubDate: 2022-11-04 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09766-3
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Abstract: Abstract Inhalation of grass pollen can result in acute exacerbation of asthma, prompting questions about how grass pollen reaches metropolitan areas. We establish typical atmospheric Poaceae (grass) pollen concentrations recorded at two pollen samplers within the Sydney basin in eastern Australia and analyse their correlation with each other and meteorological variables. We determine the effect of synoptic and regional airflow on Poaceae pollen transport during a period of extreme (≥ 100 grains m−3 air) concentration and characterise the meteorology. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that most Poaceae pollen captured by the pollen samplers originated from local sources. Fifteen months of daily pollen data, three days of hourly atmospheric Poaceae pollen concentrations and fifteen months of hourly meteorology from two locations within the Sydney basin were used. Weather Research Forecasting (WRF), Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) modelling and conditional bivariate probability functions (CBPF) were used to assess Poaceae pollen transport. Most Poaceae pollen collected was estimated to be from local sources under low wind speeds. Extreme daily Poaceae pollen concentrations were rare, and there was no strong evidence to support long-distance Poaceae pollen transport into the Sydney basin or across the greater Sydney metropolitan area. Daily average pollen concentrations mask sudden increases in atmospheric Poaceae pollen, which may put a significant and sudden strain on the healthcare system. Mapping of Poaceae pollen sources within Sydney and accurate prediction of pollen concentrations are the first steps to an advanced warning system necessary to pre-empt the healthcare resources needed during pollen season. PubDate: 2022-11-04 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09764-5
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Abstract: Abstract Pollen grains of the anemophilous plants are the most important source of allergens in the atmosphere, triggering allergic diseases such as rhinitis and asthma in atopic individuals. Pollen grains in the atmosphere of Tétouan (NW of Morocco) were recorded during a 10 years/period (2008–2017) using a 7 day recording volumetric pollen trap by Burkard. Daily mean pollen concentrations of 10-day periods were summed and averaged over the study period to construct the pollen calendar. The average annual pollen integral (APIn) recorded during this period was 37,955 p*day/m3, belonging to 52 higher plant taxa (30 trees and/or shrubs and 22 herbaceous species). The maximum APIn (62,848 p*day/m3) was recorded in 2009 and the minimum (18,423 p*day/m3) in 2017. During the study period, the main pollen was registered from February to June (89%), with the highest daily mean pollen concentrations recorded in March (26.38%) and February (21.13%). The timing, intensity and length of the pollen seasons varied according to the taxa. The pollen calendar of Tétouan atmosphere reflects a great pollen diversity (37 pollen types), Pollen omnipresence throughout the year, long pollination periods and typically Mediterranean taxa: Cupressaceae, Olea, Platanus and Quercus. Some trees and herbaceous plants perform their anthesis in winter: Cupressaceae, Fraxinus, Populus, Pinus, Mercurialis and Parietaria. Some of them extend their pollen season until spring at the same time as other types of pollen appear typical of spring. Morus and Pistacia have a short pollen season, while Cannabis sativa, Amaranthaceae, Olea, Parietaria, Plantago, Poaceae, Quercus, Rumex and U. membranacea are characterized by prolonged pollen season. The pollen spectrum of Tétouan is differentiated by Cannabis pollen, and a longer and more intense pollination period than that detected in other Mediterranean regions. Based on these results, pollen calendar of Tétouan provides interesting and useful information to aerobiologists as well as professionals working in fields such as allergy and public health. PubDate: 2022-10-30 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09761-8
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Abstract: Abstract Abundance and diversity of airborne pollen are important to human health and biodiversity. The UK operational network collects airborne pollen from 8 flowering trees, grasses and three weeds using Hirst traps and microscopic identification from urban areas. Knowledge of total pollen diversity and differences between rural and urban zones is limited. We collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from air during summer and autumn over 3 years with mini cyclones from one urban and one rural site. Data are analysed using next generation sequencing and metabarcoding. We find the most common genus, Urtica (57%), is also identified by the national network. The grasses Lolium (10%), Agrostis (2%) and Holcus (1%) are in the national network grouped at family level, while Brassica (2%), Chenopodium (1%), Impatiens (2%), Plantago (4%) and Tilia (7%) are not part of the UK operational network. DNA from 138 genera was identified, where 2% of the sample could not be associated with specific genera. 40% of the sample was classified better using eDNA methods at the genus level, than by optical methods. We calculate Bray–Curtis dissimilarity for the rural and urban zones and find a systematic difference in biodiversity. Overall, this shows airborne DNA reveals more information than methods based on morphological differences. The results also suggest data from sites located in large urban areas will be less representative for less populated rural areas. This presents a dilemma in balancing a network and the associated costs delivering health relevant information to the most populated areas vs. a nation-wide approach. PubDate: 2022-10-11 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-022-09759-2
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