Characterisation of particulate matter on airborne pollen grains

Helena Ribeiro; Fernanda Guimarães; Laura Duque; Fernando Noronha; Ilda Abreu

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2015.06.015

Characterisation of particulate matter on airborne pollen grains

Environ Pollut. 2015 Nov:206:7-16. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.06.015. Epub 2015 Jul 2.

Authors

Helena Ribeiro¹, Fernanda Guimarães², Laura Duque³, Fernando Noronha⁴, Ilda Abreu⁵

Affiliations

¹ Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: helena.ribeiro@fc.up.pt.
² Unit of Science and Mineral Technology, National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG), Rua da Amieira, Apartado 1089, 4466-901 S. Mamede de Infesta, Matosinhos, Portugal.
³ Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
⁴ Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
⁵ Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre S/N, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.

PMID: 26141127
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.06.015

Abstract

A characterization of the physical-chemical composition of the atmospheric PM adsorbed to airborne pollen was performed. Airborne pollen was sampled using a Hirst-type volumetric spore sampler and observed using a Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyser for PM analysis. A secondary electron image was taken of each pollen grain and EDS spectra were obtained for individually adsorbed particles. All images were analysed and the size parameters of the particles adsorbed to pollen was determined. The measured particles' equivalent diameter varied between 0.1 and 25.8 μm, mostly in the fine fraction. The dominant particulates identified were Si-rich, Organic-rich, SO-rich, Metals & Oxides and Cl-rich. Significant daily differences were observed in the physical-chemical characteristics of particles adsorbed to the airborne pollen wall. These differences were correlated with weather parameters and atmospheric PM concentration. Airborne pollen has the ability to adsorb fine particles that may enhance its allergenicity.

Keywords: Electron probe microanalysis; Particulate matter; Pollen; Respiratory allergies.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Air Pollutants / chemistry*
Allergens / chemistry
Particle Size
Particulate Matter / chemistry*
Pollen / chemistry*

Substances

Air Pollutants
Allergens
Particulate Matter