title: Characterisation of particulate matter on airborne pollen grains.
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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Fernanda
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.affiliation: Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Duque
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Noronha
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Ilda
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Abreu
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D000485:Allergens / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000737:chemistry*; D011058:Pollen / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D000485:Allergens; D052638:Particulate Matter
keywords: Electron probe microanalysis; Particulate matter; Pollen; Respiratory allergies