Pollen and spore monitoring in the world

Abstract

BackgroundAmbient air quality monitoring is a governmental duty that is widely carried out in order to detect non-biological (“chemical”) components in ambient air, such as particles of < 10 µm (PM10, PM2.5), ozone, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These monitoring networks are publicly funded and air quality data are open to the public. The situation for biological particles that have detrimental effects on health, as is the case of pollen and fungal spores, is however very different. Most pollen and spore monitoring networks are not publicly funded and data are not freely available. The information regarding which biological particle is being monitored, where and by whom, is consequently often not known, even by aerobiologists themselves. This is a considerable problem, as local pollen data are an important tool for the prevention of allergic symptoms.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to review pollen monitoring stations throughout the world and to create an interactive visualization of their distribution.MethodsThe method employed to collect information was based on: (a) a review of the recent and historical bibliography related to pollen and fungal spore monitoring, and (b) personal surveys of the managers of national and regional monitoring networks. The interactive application was developed using the R programming language.ResultsWe have created an inventory of the active pollen and spore monitoring stations in the world. There are at least 879 active pollen monitoring stations in the world, most of which are in Europe (> 500). The prevalent monitoring method is based on the Hirst principle (> 600 stations). The inventory is visualised as an interactive and on-line map. It can be searched, its appearance can be adjusted to the users’ needs and it is updated regularly, as new stations or changes to those that already exist can be submitted online.ConclusionsThe map shows the current situation of pollen and spore monitoring and facilitates collaboration among those individuals who are interested in pollen and spore counts. It might also help to improve the monitoring of biological particles up to the current level employed for non-biological components.

Real-time sensing of bioaerosols: Review and current perspectives

“…Pollen and other allergen-containing aerosols, including fungal spores, pet dander, small insects, e.g., dust mites, and their fragments, that can impact human health. Applications include monitoring networks that disseminate information to the public (Buters et al 2018;Greiner et al 2011), monitoring pollination of crops, and the natural migration of organisms and biodiversity in a changing climate (Beggs 2004;D'Amato et al 2016;Hamaoui-Laguel et al 2015;Ozanne et al 2003). In some cases, the need exists for specific taxonomic identification, and in other cases, only generalized information is required.…”

Localization of Four Allergens in Artemisia Pollen by Immunofluorescent Antibodies

“…Pollen data are an important tool for the prevention of allergic symptoms [28]. In nature, the quality and quantity of a certain allergen is variable and dynamic: indirect molecular composition changes have been observed in A. vulgaris pollen under traffic pollution [29].…”

Highlights and recent developments in airway diseases in EAACI journals (2018)

“…Air monitoring of nonbiological components is routinely carried out by the government, unlike pollen and spore counts which are not always government‐funded and freely accessible. Similarly to chemical pollutants, the current pollen and spore monitoring stations have now been mapped, facilitating the access of information . The EAACI Task Force of the Immunotherapy and Aerobiology and Pollution Interest Group has defined pollen exposure times .…”

“…Similarly to chemical pollutants, the current pollen and spore monitoring stations have now been mapped, facilitating the access of information. 63 The EAACI Task Force of the Immunotherapy and Aerobiology and Pollution Interest Group has defined pollen exposure times. 64 The suggested criteria have been computationally validated by analyzing Poaceae pollen count data from up to 40 pollen monitoring stations between 2012 and 2016.…”