Hot and dry conditions elevate grass pollen and sub-pollen particle concentrations in Melbourne, Australia.

ABSTRACT: A Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (WIBS) was used in conjunction with chemical tracer analysis for the first time during the 2022-2023 grass pollen season in Melbourne, Australia. WIBS detected continuous levels of bioaerosol throughout the campaign. From 18th November to 7th December 2022, fluorescent particles accounted for an average of 10% of total particles in number, corresponding to an estimated 0.18 μg m^-3 PM_2.5 (14%) and 0.49 μg m^-3 PM₁₀ (25%). Using mannitol as a chemical tracer, fungal spores were estimated to contribute to an average of 2% of PM_2.5 and 9% of PM₁₀ mass. Analysis of fructose in PM_2.5 as a marker for sub-pollen particles (SPPs) showed elevated concentrations during periods of hot an

SUBMITTER: Mampage CBA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12396348 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature