Airborne Acer pollen wall elemental analysis and adhered particulate matter [Pólen de Acer presente na atmosfera: Análise elementar da parede e matéria particulada aderida]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Ribeiro, H (Author) FCUP; Duque, L (Author) Other; Guimarães, F (Author) Other; Abreu, I (Author) Other; Noronha, F (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Comunicações Geológicas

Vol. 101

Pages: 1355-1358

ISSN: 0873-948X

Publisher: LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

Indexing

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-WV8

Abstract (EN): The complex relationship between airborne pollen, nonbiological air pollution and its impacts on pollen morphology and allergenicity is not completely understood. Therefore, in this study, a Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyser (EPMA) was used for the elemental characterization of the airborne Acer pollen surface as well as for the description of the particulate matter attached to it in order to find out what occurs to the pollen when they are airborne in the city of Porto, Portugal. Analyses were performed both to airborne and to control Acer pollen. Control samples were collected from trees in public gardens while airborne pollen sampling was performed using a 7-day Hirst-type volumetric spore sampler. Airborne Acer pollen samples showed significant differences in elemental composition when compared to the control pollen samples, namely in the amounts of Cl, Na, Mg and Si. Most of the particles adhered to the pollen wall presented an equivalent diameter in the fine particles fraction (lower than 2.5 µm) corresponding mainly to aluminosilicates, Fe and Si oxides, carbonaceous particles, Ca, Na and K sulphates and Na and Mg chlorides. This study shows that the airborne pollen can adsorb and/or absorb other materials, which may alter pollen allergenicity. © 2014 LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Geologia e Energia IP.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific