Analysis of environmental factors and their effects on fungal spores in the atmosphere of a tropical urban area (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Abstract

In Puerto Rico, respiratory diseases affect a significant percentage of the population, and it is possible that the environmental factors unique to the island, such as easterly winds, dense vegetation, and high humidity, may increase the concentration of airborne biological particulates that could distress susceptible individuals. As most studies characterized fungal spores and pollen in temperate zones, we wanted to describe their concentrations in a tropical zone. The Allergenco Ò (MK3) spore trap was used to monitor airborne spores and pollen concentrations for 12 months starting on May 2005. During the length of the study, silicone grease-coated microscope slides captured 12 impacts daily, which were then stained with calcofluor and observed under the microscope with bright field and ultraviolet light. Atmospheric conditions were recorded with the Precision Weather Station Ò . Precipitation, dew point, and relative humidity promote the presence of fungal spores in San Juan throughout the year, with basidiospores being the most frequent. Spore concentrations were higher during the early morning hours all the year around. Wind and gusts were dispersal factors, and humidity and the dew point favored the release of spores into the atmosphere. In contrast to spores, pollens were not found to be affected by any of the meteorological factors and no distinctive patterns were found. Describing how airborne spores and pollens, many of which have allergenic potential, behave in the tropics, such as in San Juan, Puerto Rico, could be used to design preventive measures for the benefit of the sensitized population. Information about the presence and abundance of aeroallergens will assist in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and asthma on the island.

Dynamics (seasonal and intra-diurnal) of air-borne fungal spore population of Doha area, Qatar

“…When the wind speed is less than 5m/s, the fungal spore's concentration decreased, but when the wind velocity is more than 5m/s the concentration of fungal spores increased (Lin & Li, 2000). On the other hand, wind can act as a dispersal and diluting factor for spores when the wind is high and so decrease the concentration of spores significantly (Quintero et al, 2010). Fluctuations in the wind velocity are significantly associated with changes in spore's concentration and particularly when other meteorological factors are optimum (Sakiyan &Inceoglu, 2003).…”

“…The most significant meteorological factor which positively correlated to fungal airspora is the temperature. A positive correlation was found between temperature and airborne fungal spores (Aydogdu & Asan, 2008), including certain fungal genera Aspergillus (Adhikari et al, 2006), Cladosporium (Quintero et al, 2010) and Alternaria (Reyes et al, 2009). Grinn-Gofroń & Bosiacka, (2015) demonstrated that and through a 4-years study, Alternaria, Drechslera type and Cladosporium spores were displayed their maximum abundance at higher mean temperature values.…”

“…Both, the height level of collection and culture media used are considered variables that affected the species composition and abundance of air mycoflora (Burge et al, 1977;Herrero et al,.1996;Khattab & Levetin, 2008 ). The above differences in the methodology of the two studies as well as the long Abdel-Hafez, 1984;Al-Subai, 2002;Sen & Asan, 2009;Abu-Dieyeh et al, 2010;Quintero et al, 2010;Shams-Ghahfarokhi et al, 2014). Our study showed that Ali et al (1976) and Al-Subai (2002) demonstrated that the structural features of Cladosporium conidia such as chlamydosporelike structure make them more resistant to solar radiation and physicochemical agents;…”

“…Wind speed was found to exaggerate the number of fungal spores in the atmosphere significantly (Al-Subai, 2002;Erkara, et al, 2008;Erkara et al, 2009;Sabariego et al, 2012) which corresponding with our finding for all fungal taxa, total number of colonies and fungal species, however the impact of wind speed was related to the daily data which means that the impact of wind velocity on the fungal airospra is temporally and on daily basis rather than the accumulative effects ( Figure 2). On the other hand, wind can act as a dispersal and diluting factor for spores when the wind is high and so decrease the concentration of spores significantly (Quintero et al, 2010). According to Lin &Li, (2000), when the wind speed is less than 5 m/s, the fungal spore's concentration decreased, but when the wind velocity is more than 5m/s the concentration of fungal spores increased.…”

Effect of Meteorological Variables on Air Pollutants Variation in Arid Climates

“…When visibility reaches near-zero serious traffic accidents have cost lives and cause traffic collapsing when high ways cut out of service for extended periods of time [23]. Beside fine particles, spores and contaminants associated with dust and aerosol can adversely impact human health, causing a range of issues from respiratory infections to toxic exposure [24,25]. Understanding the complex issue of air pollutants and quantifying the contribution of different meteorological parameters, in parallel with the given widespread concern of ambient air pollution in developing countries and its broad ranging impacts, the present study is focused on investigation of air pollution occurring at one of the densest industrial areas located in Saudi Arabia.…”