The purpose of this study is to contribute to the knowledge about fungal spores in the atmosphere of the city of Salamanca (Middle West Spain), through the comparative study of Alternaria spore levels in two different sampling points within the same city. The study was done in terms of seasonal and hourly distribution and the possible influence of the main meteorological parameters on their atmospheric

Hirst-type volumetric spore traps are used across the globe and are the current standard instrument for monitoring pollen. While they suffer from various issues related to sampling, measurement, and human error, they are, nevertheless, relatively cost-efficient and robust instruments that have been in use for decades. They are also the only reference against which newer instruments can be directly

Pollen identification and enumeration is subject to human errors, and hence, it is crucial to evaluate the proficiency of pollen counters. Many networks still depend on manual pollen monitoring, and those adopting automation use manual counting data as a reference. A quality control exercise was undertaken across the AusPollen Aerobiology Collaboration Network to compare data analysis methods, gauge

Allergen-containing subpollen particles (SPPs) are micrometric or sub-micrometric particles (0.12–5 µm) released from pollen. They are able to reach the lower airways, causing allergenic reactions. SPP release occurs through the pore of intact grains or by rupture of the whole grain. In this paper the results of two laboratory experiments investigating the dynamics of SPP release for three alien species

Aspergillus and Penicillium spores occur with considerable frequency in the outdoor air, and their presence is important due to implications in health, agriculture and biodeterioration of cultural heritage. The objective of this research was to study their abundance in the atmosphere of Havana from 2013 to 2017. Two study methods were used, viable method monitoring of the spores with Chirana Aeroscope

Airborne grass (Poaceae) pollen measurements are used in public warning systems to inform people about the risk of allergic symptoms. However, there is no consensus about which exact thresholds of pollen concentrations provoke the allergic symptoms. The aim of this study was to review the relevant scientific information on the relationship between grass pollen concentrations and the occurrence of emergency

Keratinophilic fungi are a group of environmentally and epidemiologically important fungi that cycle a recalcitrant animal protein know as keratin. A large group of keratinophilic fungi cause diseases in human and animal mycoses so called as dermatophytes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diversity and activity for the group of keratinophilic fungi from the humus of “Phumdis” in Loktak

Passenger air transport is one of the main routes for the global spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. This may be due to airborne pathogen transmission, which may occur within the commercial aircraft cabin. Because of this, we performed an investigation of aerial contamination by Staphylococcus species in 166 commercial aircraft and analyzed the presence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm synthesis

Exposure of microbial agents in the air of indoor dwellings is associated with effects on respiratory and general health. The current study was conducted in the urban area of Delhi Metropolis for the seasonal quantitative assessment of viable microbial indoor air quality. Bioaerosol measurement was conducted by using Anderson six stage impactor with cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1, and

The article develops a new method of spatiotemporal modelling of possible locations of ragweed areas and estimation of pollen emission intensity of these areas. The method uses spline approximation with automatic computations of typical pollen production models in the R language. It applies a number of approaches eliminating the uncertainty of various parameters that should be taken into consideration

Over the period 2002–2019, air temperature and precipitation significantly increased regionally for Bratislava, which could lead to phenological changes in some plant species. This study aimed to analyse the changes in the intensity, timing, and duration of pollen seasons of three allergological important plant taxa (Alnus, Poaceae, Artemisia) in the study area over 18 years. The pollen sampling was

The deposition of the airborne microorganisms onto cultural heritage is associated closely with the subsequent biodeterioration. In this study, a systematic investigation was carried out to detect the seasonal variation and diversity of airborne fungal concentration at the World Cultural Heritage Site Maijishan Grottoes in western China. A bio-aerosol sampler was deployed to collect samples over four

Whether airborne microbial community can be affected by air quality in a short time has been controversial. To study the relationships between the hub bacteria, fungi, and air quality will allow to better understand the mechanism of microbial community change. Total suspended particulate samples were collected to explore the microbial community by metagenome sequencing. Results showed that the bacterial

Pollen threshold values used in public warning systems are intended to inform people of the risk of developing allergy symptoms. However, there is no consensus about which pollen concentrations provoke allergy symptoms. The aim of this systematic review was the evaluation of studies investigating the relationship between pollen concentrations (alder, ash, birch, hazel, mugwort and ragweed) and the

Pollen and fungal spores (aerospora) are major atmospheric bioaerosols for pollen allergy sufferers. Aerospora types and concentration vary seasonally, depending upon the flowering period and meteorological factors which are variable in different geographical regions. The aim of this study was to analyze a two-year record of aerospora from two locations (Epe and Ojo) in Lagos (Nigeria), from May 2014

The present study was carried out to estimate the spatiotemporal variation of fungal bioaerosols, in and around a landfill site in Delhi. The sites were deep in the landfill to nearby residential areas. Fungal bioaerosol sampling was done with the help of Anderson six stage viable cascade impactor on monthly basis for one year from June 2015 to May 2016 at seven different sites in and around the landfill

Invasive fungal infection is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates, especially in low-birthweight neonates. The contribution of fungi in the indoor air to the incidence of mucocutaneous colonization and to the risk of invasive fungal infection in this population is uncertain. This review aimed to identify and to summarize the best available evidence on the fungal contamination in

To clarify the characteristics and distribution of hospital environmental microbiome associated with confirmed COVID-19 patients. Environmental samples with varying degrees of contamination which were associated with confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected, including 13 aerosol samples collected near eight patients in different wards, five swabs from one patient’s skin and his personal belongings

Urban green spaces offer large environmental, social, and economic benefits for the population. However, when species that compose it are chosen, its allergenicity is not usually considered, which poses a risk to the population with pollinosis. In this work, the potential allergenicity index (IUGZA) of five urban parks in the city of Madrid (Spain) has been calculated, in order to assess their allergenic

Public bus system worldwide transports daily more than 34 million people; therefore, air quality inside buses is an important urban air pollution issue. Airborne microbiological composition and abundance was examined inside five different fuel type buses (diesel (EURO IV and EURO V), hybrid diesel (HD), compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid natural gas (HCNG) and electric vehicle (EV)) from Barcelona

This paper describes a long-term (1988–2018) data series from pollen monitoring in two locations in Iceland: Akureyri and Reykjavík. Our data showed a low diversity of airborne pollen present in the aeroplankton of Iceland. We showed that Betula spp. and Poaceae can be considered the main pollen allergens in Iceland. Both Betula spp. and Poaceae pollen seasons in Iceland are characterised by a late

Trends of the airborne annual pollen integral (APIn) and pollen season of principal woody and herbaceous plants in Tétouan were analysed over a 10-year monitoring period (2008–2017). Pollen was continuously sampled by means of a 7-day recording volumetric pollen trap by Burkard. Pollen trends were analysed by using Mann–Kendall tests and Sen’s slope. Aerobiological data were correlated with temperature

Bioaerosols, including bacteria and fungi, are ubiquitous and have been shown to impact various organisms as well as biogeochemical cycles and human health. However, sample collection poses a challenge for aeromicrobiologists and can determine the success of a study. Establishing a standard collection procedure for bioaerosol sampling could help advance the field. We tested the efficiency (number of

Fungi are an important component of ecosystems. Some fungi are widely distributed, while others are limited to certain habitats. Studies based on airborne fungal spores can help to know the geographical distribution of fungi in the territory. Our aim was to show that a gamma probability density function (gpdf) based on a database of 20 airborne fungal spore taxa concentrations in eight localities of

Airborne allergenic pollen impact the health of a great part of the global population. Under climate change conditions, the abundance of airborne pollen has been rising dramatically and so is the effect on sensitized individuals. The first line of allergy management is allergen avoidance, which, to date, is by rule achieved via forecasting of daily pollen concentrations. The aim of this study was to

The conservation actions towards artworks holding a common patrimony for the community are of primary importance, but also those related to their "container" as museums, libraries or archives are to consider. Fungal spores and bacteria carried by air flows to the artwork surface can colonize it causing biodeterioration through physical and/or chemical alterations of the materials with the irreversible

This study presents the results of a Europe-wide training and Quality Control (QC) exercise carried out within the framework of the European Aerobiology Society’s QC Working Group. The main aim of this exercise was to examine the feasibility of carrying out a QC exercise for fungal spore monitoring in Europe, using a similar methodology to the one previously used for pollen. The QC survey was conducted

Raindrops brim with pollen even when there is no ambient local pollen. How does this nonlocal pollen get inside rain? The likely answer is long-range transport beneath or inside clouds. To test this hypothesis, we captured rain-delivered pollen on Ocracoke Island, NC, USA over a 12-day interval before local pine pollen release then reconstructed its trajectory and its atmospheric exposure conditions

In this study, we have compared time series of pollen concentration originating from two Hirst-type volumetric samplers that were equipped with different sampling heads. To collect airborne pollen, we have used classic sampler with mobile sampling head including wind vane and adapted sampler with fixed sampling head having two-layered inlet, like in Sigma-2 passive sampler. The devices were placed

Setting off fireworks during the Spring Festival are a popular traditional custom and recreational activity in China. Intensity of firecracker burning can quickly deteriorate air quality. Airborne bacteria are also important constituents of atmospheric particulate matter and contain many pathogens. However, few studies have reported variations in the bacterial community structure in PM2.5 during firecracker

Potatoes production is the main source of income in A Limia (Northwest Spain). Most of the potatoes harvest is stored in piles in farmer´s warehouses without systems to control temperature and relative humidity and only a few industries have storage facilities with cooling systems. This study constitutes an approach to detecting fungal spores present inside potato warehouses and the influence of the

Landfilling is one of the indispensable parts of solid waste management in various countries. Solid waste disposed of in landfill sites provides nutrients for the proliferation of pathogenic microbes which are aerosolized into the atmosphere due to the local meteorology and various waste disposal activities. Bioaerosols released from landfill sites can create health issues for employees and adjoining

Understanding the relationship between flowering patterns and pollen dispersal is important in climate change modelling, pollen forecasting, forestry and agriculture. Enhanced understanding of this connection can be gained through detailed spatial and temporal flowering observations on a population level, combined with modelling simulating the dynamics. Species with large distribution ranges, long

We report the results of a histological study of lung samples where an unusual quantity of airborne pollen and fungal spores was found in drowned rats. Pollen and spores were found in lungs of drowned rats but not in the post-mortem submerged ones. Another control group consisting of rats that underwent 60 min exposure to a highly pollen-loaded atmosphere also recorded negative for the presence of

Mucus and body temperature serve as the first lines of defense against invading pathogens. When the inhaled particles are deposited in the nose, the respiratory mucus and body temperature potentially impact fungal spore germination and prevent pathogen infections. We hypothesized that respiratory mucus and body temperature impact fungal spore germination. This study aimed to investigate the temporal

Transport of microbes in the atmosphere allows them to spread and to colonize new habitats. To survive the harsh environmental conditions encountered in the atmosphere, these microorganisms have to possess properties that allow them to resist atmospheric stress. We combined physiological experiments and genome analysis of Pseudomonas syringae strain R10.79, previously isolated from rain, to decipher

Cultural heritage objects are very frequently visited by tourists, the presence of which is considered to affect the bacterial and fungal aerosol levels in these facilities. Therefore, this study had two main aims with the first to determine the morning/evening changes in the concentration of bacterial and fungal aerosol as well as particulate matter in the selected historical objects of Kraków: churches

The liquid impingers can be used for sampling of viral aerosols, such as COVID-19 virus, influenza, and measles. However, the lowest cutoff diameter of commercially available liquid impingers was about 0.3 μm, and the physical collection efficiency for nano-bioaerosol is only about 10–20%. Here, we enhanced the impinger’s collection efficiency and recovery of viable viral aerosols by using packed glass

In the indoor environment of dental clinics, dental staff and patients are exposed to various types of infectious agents transported by aerosols and particles, generated during dental procedures, promoting an increased risk of cross-infection. The aim of this study was to determine the levels and diversity of microbial aerosol in relation to particle load in five different departments of a dental school

Olive is recognized as a crop with great impact in agricultural, socioeconomic, environmental and public health sectors. The last is becoming more important during recent years as consequence of the increase of the pollen allergy in south Europe prompted by the widespread Olea pollen allergic reactions. The aim of the study was to quantify, for the first time, the variations of the Ole e 1 allergen

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the pretreatment methods and sampling time on the sampling of airborne bacteria in hospitals. Methods for the pretreatment of Andersen samplers, namely, non-sterilized, 75% ethanol and autoclaving sampled for 5 min, 10 min and 15 min in the general ward and class 1000 clean operating department, respectively, were studied. Statistical analysis

In the original publication of the article, the below errors have occurred.

Exposure to bioaerosols can have adverse effects on human health and contribute to allergies, asthma, infectious diseases and pulmonary conditions. Bioaerosols are airborne particles of microbial, animal and plant origin. Animal- and plant-derived particles, which may disperse over long distances, are being increasingly addressed by environmental studies in addition to microorganisms. In this study

The objective of this study was to evaluate physical–chemical and microbial indicators of indoor air quality in three nursing houses (NHs) located in rural areas of the northeast of Portugal. The parameters were measured during two campaigns (winter and summer), twice a day, and in four distinct spaces for spatial variability assessment: dining room, living room, double bedroom and outdoor of the NHs

Air pollutants impact airborne pollen biochemistry. Oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and nucleic acids or protein nitration are among ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) described deleterious effects possibly causing pollen physiology damage and enhanced allergenic activity, contributing to aggravate pollen driven respiratory allergy in urban areas. The goal of this research was to evaluate the

Curcuma longa L. essential oil can be considered a natural product with strong antifungal activity due to the fungicidal and fungistatic effect. It can be used for the aeromycological control of premises where food is prepared. It is important to monitor air quality in food production facilities to achieve safe food. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antifungal activity of C. longa essential

Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth., family Betulaceae, order Fagales) produces pollen grains in pendulous male (staminate) inflorescences (catkins), that are formed 1 year before flowering. Birch catkins elongate during summer months until they reach the dormancy phase (winter rest). At this stage catkins are short, dense and contain microspores. In the next season, after breaking the dormancy, the

The presence of bioaerosols in the airborne fine particulate matters (PM2.5) has raised public concern due to their pathogenic effects on human. The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi and their association with PM2.5 and meteorological parameters in Isfahan. Air samples were collected from seven different locations of Isfahan city using SKC pumps connected

Even though the presence of Curvularia conidia in the tropical air and the role in respiratory allergy symptoms or plant diseases incidence has been reported, traditional aerobiological investigations usually do not consider their profound study. An aeromycological study of the Curvularia propagules in Havana was conducted during the years 2017 and 2018. Monitoring was carried out by means of volumetric

Pedestrian underpasses are the unique environment where air transaction with outdoor is complicated, inducing interest to study the air quality for the presence of microbes. Thus, the study on the presence of airborne fungi from 11 different underpasses in Chennai city was conducted. The airborne fungi was monitored by exposing potato dextrose agar strips in reuter centrifugal sampler (RCS). A total

Urban green spaces, especially urban parks, are essential for the proper functioning of cities, but they can be a serious source of airborne fungal spores. Aerobiological monitoring was carried out in urban parks of different typology to estimate the risk associated with fungal spores for citizens. Volumetric method was applied with the use of portable Burkard Sampler. In the air of the studied parks

The disinfection efficiencies of two chemical disinfectants, chlorine dioxide and weak acid hypochlorous water (WAHW), were examined in the soiled room and dishwashing room of a hospital infectious disease ward in Taiwan. The investigations were conducted in two seasons, namely winter and summer, in order to examine the correlation between the bioaerosol concentration and the environmental factors

Pollen identification and quantification are used in many fields of application and research has been conducted to attain accurate automatic pollen recognition aiming to reduce the laborious work and subjectivity in human identification. The aim of our study was to evaluate the capacity of Raman parameters of pollen spectra, calculated for only 7 common band intervals in a limited spectral range, to

Operational pollen monitoring networks have developed across Europe, and the world more generally, in response to the increasing prevalence of pollen allergy and asthma. Routine pollen observations are in large part currently still based on time-intensive manual techniques developed in the 1950s. These methods suffer from low temporal resolution and long delays in data availability. Recent technological

Airborne pollen and meteorological-related variables have proved to be a good indicator of flowering, olive fruit production and to predict harvest of upcoming crop, thus enabling efficient management and marketing strategies. This study describes the first forecasting models of the olive fruit production based on pre-peak airborne annual pollen integral (APIn) from Olea europaea L. and meteorological

Pollen allergies are one of the most important problems among respiratory diseases in today’s society. The creation and development of aerobiological information tools are useful to provide information to patients and doctors. In this work, we analysed the pollen spectrum of Extremadura to generate pollen calendars for Badajoz, Cáceres, Don Benito, Plasencia and Zafra. Additionally, we analysed regional