DOCSLIB.ORG

THE SPORES of Alternaria in AEROPLANKTON and ITS RELATIONSHIPS with the METEOROLOGICAL FACTORS

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
THE SPORES of Alternaria in AEROPLANKTON and ITS RELATIONSHIPS with the METEOROLOGICAL FACTORS ACTA AGROBOTANICA Vol. 62 (1): 3–8 2009 THE SPORES OF Alternaria IN AEROPLANKTON AND ITS RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE METEOROLOGICAL FACTORS Agnieszka Grinn-Gofroń Department of Plant Taxonomy and Phytogeography, Faculty of Natural Science University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland e-mail: [email protected] Received: 16.02.2009 Abstract individuals. The characteristic features and size of the Alternaria spores are known to be potent aeroallergens spores determine how deep they may penetrate into the and their concentrations in the air are strongly dependent on respiratory tract, whereby the exact site of allergic re- meteorological factors. There are many articles from different sponse can be determined. Spores larger than 10 μm parts of the world about relationships between Alternaria spore in diameter are deposited in the nasopharynx causing count and weather parameters. The aim of the study was to re- rhinitis; spores smaller than 5 μm penetrate to the ale- view all available publications about airborne Alternaria spores voli causing alevolitis. Spores <10 μm in size mostly and compare the results in short, useful form. deposit in the bronchi and bronchioles causing asthma (Lacey et al. 1972). Key words: Alternaria, airborne spores, meteorological fac- One of the most important genus belonging tors, statistical correlation to that group is Alternaria. There is a number of very similar, related species which are usually grouped to- gether as Alternaria. The spores are multi-celled. The INTRODUCTION conidiophores are dark, simple, rather short or elon- gate, typically bearing a simple or branched chain of The form-division Fungi Imperfecti or Deu- conidia. The conidia are also dark, multi-septate, both teromycota is an artificial category. Members of this transverse and longitudinal. They vary in width and group were originally combined into a single group length according to species, usually 8 to 75 microme- because they apparently lacked a sexual stage. Fungi ters in length; some species, such as Alternaria longis- Imperfecti are divided into form-classes based upon sima, can be found with a length of up to 500 microm- morphological similarities. The criteria that are typi- eters (0.5 milimeters). cally used are colour, shape, size and septation of the Alternaria, which is both ubiquitous and abun- conidia (whether the spores are unicellular, or made up dant, is both saprophytic and parasitic on plant mate- of multiple cells). Many of the spores of the Fungi Im- rial and is found on rotting vegetation as well as in perfecti have morphologically distinct features so that damp indoor areas, such as bathrooms. The spores are the spores from this group are some of the most easily present in large number throughout the late summer, es- identified. Many are also easily cultured so that more pecially at the harvest time (Hyde and Williams, research has been conducted upon this group of fungi 1946). Geographically, the fungus is distributed world- than many other. Alternaria, Cladosporium, Curvu- wide but is particularly prevalent in dry climates. laria, Drechslera, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Nigrospora Certain fungal spores are known to cause an al- and Stemphylium were listed by Kendrick (1990) lergic response and spores of the genus Alternaria have as the ‘Big Eight’ because of their allergenicity and been known to trigger asthma for over 50 years (Hop- frequency in the air. kins et al. 1939). The risk of asthma-related deaths is The knowledge of the composition of airborne more than doubled when there is a high incidence of spores of a particular area is important in agriculture, mould spores (Targonsky et al. 1995) and Alter- because crop pathogens can be identified to prevent naria is a known risk factor in childhood and young crop epidemics and also because some of them act as adult asthma (O’Hollaren et al. 1991; Tariq et factors for causing respiratory allergy to susceptible al. 1996; Dutkiewicz, 1997). 4 Agnieszka Grinn-Gofroń Alternaria spores vary in size, but Licorish tion and the maximum temperatures has been found et al. (1985) said it could be safely assumed that even in Szczecin (Grinn-Gofroń , 2008) and has been the larger Alternaria spores could penetrate the lungs reported from other sites in Poland (S t ę palska and causing asthma. If more Alternaria spores are being Woł ek, 2005), United States (Levetin and Dor- released into the air, even though only a small percent- sey, 2006), United Kingdom (Corden and Mil- age of the population is involved, then a considerable lington, 2001) and Spain (Fernández et al. number of patients may have severe asthma attacks 1998). Herrero et al. (1996) studied the relationship during the Alternaria season. between daily concentrations of Alternaria and mete- Literature has a few references to the number orological variables. They found Alternaria to be posi- of spores that are needed to provoke an allergic reac- tively correlated with maximum temperature. tion in susceptible individuals. One estimated thresh- old concentration of Alternaria spores needed to pro- Minimum temperature voke an allergic response is 100 spores m-3 of air (Gravesen, 1979). Licorish et al. (1985), how- The correlation between Alternaria spore count ever, suggests that the order of 104-107 spores is needed and minimum temperature was not significant in all to be inhaled over 24-h period. Hasnain (1993) sug- available publications. gests that mean daily concentrations of 50 Alternaria spores/m3 are needed to cause sensitization, after which Mean temperature smaller concentrations can cause symtoms. In Poland The content of Alternaria spores in the atmos- Rapiejko et al. (2004) reported that a subject with phere increases when mean temperatures rise; these hypersensitivity to Alternaria allergens experienced results are very similar to those obtained by other au- the symptoms during exposure to a concentration of thors (Infante and Dominquez, 1988 (Cordoba, approximately 80 spores m-3 of air. Spain); Gonzáles Minero et al. 1994 (Spain); Ricci et al. 1995; Méndez et al. 1997 (Spain), who The highest concentrations considered that this factor played a major role in the The monitoring of fungal spores in Poland re- dispersion of Alternaria. Positive, significant correla- vealed the summer as the most favourable season for tions with temperature, similar to those observed in Alternaria occurrence (Gaweł , 1996; S t ę palska Poland, have been reported extensively in other cities et al. 1999; Kasprzyk et al. 2004; Konopiń ska, throughout the world by Palmas and Cosentino, 2004; S t ę palska and Woł ek, 2005; Grinn- 1990 (Sardinia, Italy); Rosas et al. 1990 (Mexico); Gofroń and Strzelczak, 2008). Also in Den- Srivastawa and Wadhwani, 1992 (SE Spain); mark (Larsen and Gravesen, 1991) and Sweden (Fernández-Gonzáles et al. 1993 (Leon, (Hjelmroos, 1993), the highest number of Alter- Spain); Hjelmroos, 1993 (Stockholm, Sweden); M i - naria spores was usually encountered during summer. takakis et al. 1997 (Melbourne, Australia); Pare- In Cordoba (Infante and Dominquez, 1988) des et al. 1997 (Mexico); Munuera Giner et and on Sardinia (Cosentino et al. 1990), a decrease al. 2001 (SE Spain); Troutt and Levetin, 2001 in the Alternaria spore concentration was observed in (Tulsa, United States); Sakiyan and Inceoğ lu, summer. The summer decrease is related to high tem- 2003 (Ankara, Turkey). perature and lack of rain. Maximum concentrations were found in Cordoba to occur in both late spring and Relative humidity autumn (Angulo-Romero et al. 1999). Contrary to these results in Amman (Jordan), maximum Alter- The Alternaria spores count was negatively and naria spore counts were recorded in October, because statistically significantly correlated with relative air of wet, warm, conditions (Shaheen, 1992). In the humidity, however, a positive correlation (increased United States, various surveys have reported Alter- spore count in the air with increased relative humid- naria more frequently than other moulds (except on ity) was noted by S t ę palska and Woł ek (2005) the Pacific Coast where this taxon was found only in Cracow, by Hjelmroos (1993) in Stockholm and sporadically or in reduced numbers (D’Amato and in Ankara (Sakiyan and Inceoğ lu, 2003). The Spieksma, 1995). concentration of Alternaria spores in the suburbs of Mexico City was found by Calderon et al. (1997) Correlations with meteorological factors to be positively correlated with relative humidity on the Maximum temperature previous day. Giner and Garcia (1995) in Murcia (Spain) found that daily concentrations of Alternaria A positive and statistically significant corre- spores were positively correlated with relative humid- lation between the daily Alternaria spore concentra- ity but not significantly. The spores of Alternaria in aeroplankton and its relationships with the meteorological factors 5 Rainfall using a forward stepwise mode, showed a significant negative correlation between Alternaria spore count A significant and negative correlation between and dew point temperature but positive for tempera- the Alternaria spores concentration and daily precipi- ture. They conclude that temperature and dew point tation was noted by S t ę palska and Woł ek in are probably the best predictors for Alternaria, appear- Cracow (2005), Mitakakis et al. (1997) in Austral- ing with positive and negative relationships in all re- ia, Corden and Milington (2001) in the United gressions. Kingdom and Sakiyan and Inceoğ lu, (2003) in Turkey. Herrero et al. (1996) reported a posi- Statistical models tive correlation with rainfall. Giner and Garcia (1995) found that daily concentrations of Alternaria A better understanding of the relative impor- spores were positively correlated with precipitation tance of weather parameters and their interrelation- but not significantly. Gregory and Hirst, (1957) ships would help determine the role of spore dispersal in Rothmasted found high Alternaria spore concentra- in allergies to airborne fungal spores. However, there tions most often in August, in warm, dry spells after are comparatively few advanced forecasting models of a period of wet weather.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Periphyton, Excluding Diatoms and Desmids, from Yap, Caroline Islands
    Micronesica 23(1): 27-40, 1990 Periphyton, Excluding Diatoms and Desmids, from Yap, Caroline Islands CHRISTOPHER s. LOBBAN I The Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, GU 96923, U.S .A. and 2 FAY K. DAILY , WILLIAM A . DAILY\ ROBERT W . HOSHAW\ & MARIA SCHEFTER Abstract-Freshwater habitats of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, are described, including first algal records. Periphyton and other visible algae were collected chiefly from streams and ponds. Streams were well shaded and lacked algae except in clearings; dominant algae were Schizothrix calcicola and Microcoleus spp. (Cyanophyta) and Cladophora sp. (Chlorophyta). Open ponds were dominated by blue-green algal mats, but some also had abundant Nitella and desmids. Desmids and diatoms were numerous and will be treated in other papers. The species list is short: 12 blue-green algae, 2 red algae, 2 charophytes, 7 filamentous greens, and 5 flagellates. All are new records for Yap and many for Micronesia. No endemic species were found . The freshwater algal flora of the Yap Islands does not show characteristics of the biota of "oceanic" islands. Introduction While there has been considerable study of marine algae in Micronesia (Tsuda & Wray 1977, Tsuda 1978, 1981), freshwater algae have been all but ignored throughout Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. However, studies of island freshwater algae could contribute to understanding of both tropical limnology and island biology. The distinctiveness of tropical limnology has recently been emphasized by Lewis (1987), who showed that limnological principles derived from studies of temperate lakes cannot be intuitively extrapolated to tropical lakes . The same is also true for transfer of knowledge of streams and ponds.
    [Show full text]
  • Algal Toxic Compounds and Their Aeroterrestrial, Airborne and Other Extremophilic Producers with Attention to Soil and Plant Contamination: a Review
    toxins Review Algal Toxic Compounds and Their Aeroterrestrial, Airborne and other Extremophilic Producers with Attention to Soil and Plant Contamination: A Review Georg G¨аrtner 1, Maya Stoyneva-G¨аrtner 2 and Blagoy Uzunov 2,* 1 Institut für Botanik der Universität Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; [email protected] 2 Department of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 blvd. Dragan Tsankov, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria; mstoyneva@uni-sofia.bg * Correspondence: buzunov@uni-sofia.bg Abstract: The review summarizes the available knowledge on toxins and their producers from rather disparate algal assemblages of aeroterrestrial, airborne and other versatile extreme environments (hot springs, deserts, ice, snow, caves, etc.) and on phycotoxins as contaminants of emergent concern in soil and plants. There is a growing body of evidence that algal toxins and their producers occur in all general types of extreme habitats, and cyanobacteria/cyanoprokaryotes dominate in most of them. Altogether, 55 toxigenic algal genera (47 cyanoprokaryotes) were enlisted, and our analysis showed that besides the “standard” toxins, routinely known from different waterbodies (microcystins, nodularins, anatoxins, saxitoxins, cylindrospermopsins, BMAA, etc.), they can produce some specific toxic compounds. Whether the toxic biomolecules are related with the harsh conditions on which algae have to thrive and what is their functional role may be answered by future studies. Therefore, we outline the gaps in knowledge and provide ideas for further research, considering, from one side, Citation: G¨аrtner, G.; the health risk from phycotoxins on the background of the global warming and eutrophication and, ¨а Stoyneva-G rtner, M.; Uzunov, B.
    [Show full text]
  • Microbial Ecology of the Planetary Boundary Layer
    atmosphere Review Microbial Ecology of the Planetary Boundary Layer Romie Tignat-Perrier 1,2,* , Aurélien Dommergue 1 , Timothy M. Vogel 2 and Catherine Larose 2 1 Institut des Géosciences de l’Environnement, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, 38400 Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France; [email protected] 2 Environmental Microbial Genomics, CNRS UMR 5005 Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Écully, 69007 Lyon, France; [email protected] (T.M.V.); [email protected] (C.L.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 17 October 2020; Accepted: 28 November 2020; Published: 30 November 2020 Abstract: Aerobiology is a growing research area that covers the study of aerosols with a biological origin from the air that surrounds us to space through the different atmospheric layers. Bioaerosols have captured a growing importance in atmospheric process-related fields such as meteorology and atmospheric chemistry. The potential dissemination of pathogens and allergens through the air has raised public health concern and has highlighted the need for a better prediction of airborne microbial composition and dynamics. In this review, we focused on the sources and processes that most likely determine microbial community composition and dynamics in the air that directly surrounds us, the planetary boundary layer. Planetary boundary layer microbial communities are a mix of microbial cells that likely originate mainly from local source ecosystems (as opposed to distant sources). The adverse atmospheric conditions (i.e., UV radiation, desiccation, presence of radicals, etc.) might influence microbial survival and lead to the physical selection of the most resistant cells during aerosolization and/or aerial transport.
    [Show full text]
  • Dispersal Modes of Free-Living, Aquatic Nematodes
    Hydrobiologia (2020) 847:3519–3547 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-020-04373-0 (0123456789().,-volV)( 0123456789().,-volV) REVIEW PAPER The ability to get everywhere: dispersal modes of free-living, aquatic nematodes Christoph Ptatscheck . Walter Traunspurger Received: 30 January 2020 / Revised: 30 July 2020 / Accepted: 1 August 2020 / Published online: 11 August 2020 Ó The Author(s) 2020 Abstract Nematodes colonize almost all aquatic parthenogenetic reproduction, nematodes are effective habitats worldwide. Despite their small size, restricted pioneers with the ability to (re)colonize new or locomotion and lack of pelagic larvae, they can reach disturbed habitats or rebalance already existing even isolated habitats within a short time. In this communities. review, we examine the underlying dispersal modes, considering their active movement in substrates and Keywords Meiofauna paradox Á Rafting Á water, their drift by water and wind, rafting, zoochory Zoochory Á Drifting Á Wind dispersal Á Locomotion as well as human-mediated vectors. These modes are limited by morphology and habitat structure, ecolog- ical factors and especially by hydrodynamics. Active dispersal is effective over short distances, but with Introduction increasing water-flow velocity, passive dispersal modes, which enable long-range transfer, become Nematodes are the most abundant metazoans in the important. In fact, the transport of nematodes over biosphere and colonize nearly all aquatic and semi- thousands of kilometers via ship water tanks and by aquatic habitats worldwide. They can be found in hitchhiking on sea turtles has been documented. permanent lotic and lentic surface waters, such as Overland dispersal vectors include wind and birds lakes and streams, and in the seabed.
    [Show full text]
  • Significance of the Rates of Atmospheric Deposition Around Utah Lake and Phosphorus-Fractionation of Local Soils" (2019)
    Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Theses and Dissertations 2019-08-01 Significance of the Rates of tmosphericA Deposition Around Utah Lake and Phosphorus-Fractionation of Local Soils Joshua Glen Reidhead Brigham Young University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Engineering Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Reidhead, Joshua Glen, "Significance of the Rates of Atmospheric Deposition Around Utah Lake and Phosphorus-Fractionation of Local Soils" (2019). Theses and Dissertations. 7685. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/7685 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Significance of the Rates of Atmospheric Deposition Around Utah Lake and Phosphorus-Fractionation of Local Soils Joshua Glen Reidhead A thesis submitted to the faculty of Brigham Young University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science A. Woodruff Miller, Chair M. Brett Borup Gustavious P. Williams Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Brigham Young University Copyright © 2019 Joshua Glen Reidhead All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT Significance of the Rates of Atmospheric Deposition Around Utah Lake and Phosphorus-Fractionation of Local Soils Joshua Glen Reidhead Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, BYU Master of Science Eutrophic Utah Lake receives a large nutrient load from a variety of sources, including treated wastewater discharges, runoff and tributaries, recycling from bottom sediments and Atmospheric Deposition (AD). AD was the focus of this study and was comprised of two complementary parts.
    [Show full text]
  • Florida State Museum
    BULLETIN OF THE FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Volume 11 Number 5 THE COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY OF TWO SPECIES OF SWIFTS IN TRINIDAD, WEST INDIES Charles T. Collins :tu of.. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA Gainesville 1968 Numbers 6/4he:BULEETIN·.OF THE FLORIDA SufATTE MU~EfiM am pu> lisbed at irregular intervals. yolumes contain about] 800 pages and, are not necessarily completed in any ofie:dale*dar year. WALTER AUFFENBERG, Managing Editor OLIVER L. AUSTIN, JR., Editor Consultants for this issue: PAUL H. BALDWIN ALLAN R. PHILLIPS Communications concerning purcha56 6r exchange of the publication and all manuscripts should be· addressed to the Managing Edit6r of the Bulletin, Florida State Museum, Seagle Building, Gainesville, Florida: 82601. Published Februafy 2,„1968 Price for this issue $.90 THE COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY OF TWO SPECIES OF SWIFTS IN TRINIDAD, WEST INDIES. CHARLES T. COLLINSl SYNopms: The comparative biology of the short-tailed swift, Chaetura bracht/ura, and the chestnut-collared swift, Cypseloides Tutilus, was studied in Trinidad dur- ing parts of 1962-66. In many aspects both species proved similar to congeners for which information exists. Both breed during the rainy season when insect food is abundant, but their breeding activities are triggered by different·proximate factors. Ch. brachgura lays a clutch averaging 8.8 eggs in nests of twigs cemented to the walls of manholes. Cyp. rutilus lays a clutch of 2 eggs in nests of mosses, lycopsids, and ferns built on rocky outcrops over rivers and mountain streams, and occasionally in sea caves. The environmental temperature of nest sites of rutitus is lower than for those of brachvura.
    [Show full text]
  • Carotenoids of Dragonflies, from the Perspective of Comparative
    Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 89 (2020) 104001 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Biochemical Systematics and Ecology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/biochemsyseco Carotenoids of dragonflies, from the perspective of comparative biochemical T and chemical ecological studies ∗ Takashi Maokaa, , Naoki Kawaseb, Tetsuyuki Uedac, Ritsuo Nishidad a Research Institute for Production Development, 15 Shimogamo-morimoto-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0805, Japan b Minakuchi Kodomonomori Nature Museum, 10 Kita-naiki, Minakuchi-cho, Koka, 528-0051, Japan c Ishikawa Prefecture University 305, Suematsu, Nonoichi-1, 921-8836, Japan d Kyoto University Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Carotenoids of 20 species of dragonflies (including 14 species of Anisoptera and six species of Zygoptera) were Carotenoid investigated from the viewpoints of comparative biochemistry and chemical ecology. In larvae, β-carotene, β- Dragonfly cryptoxanthin, lutein, and fucoxanthin were found to be major carotenoids in both Anisoptera and Zygoptera. Food chain These carotenoids were assumed to have originated from aquatic insects, water fleas, tadpoles, and small fish, Comparative biochemistry which dragonfly larvae feed on. Furthermore, β-caroten-2-ol and echinenone were also found in all speciesof Chemical ecology larvae investigated. In adult dragonflies, β-carotene was found to be a major carotenoid along with lutein, zeaxanthin, β-caroten-2-ol, and echinenone in both Anisoptera and Zygoptera. On the other hand, unique car- otenoids, β-zeacarotene, β,ψ-carotene (γ-carotene), torulene, β,γ-carotene, and γ,γ-carotene, were present in both Anisoptera and Zygoptera dragonflies. These carotenoids were not found in larvae. Food chain studiesof dragonflies suggested that these carotenoids originated from aphids, and/or possibly from aphidophagous la- dybird beetles and spiders, which dragonflies feed on.
    [Show full text]
  • Page #1 References to Research on Micro Algae (Spirulina, Chlorella
    References to Research on Micro Algae (Spirulina, Chlorella, Blue-Green Algae, and Marine Phytoplankton) Topics in this document regarding Micro Algae: A. Edible Microalgae Health Research B. Introduction to Edible Microalgae C. Enhanced Brain Function, Behavior, and Learning D. Improved Immune Function E. Antiviral, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Effects F. Improved Cellular Repair G. Radiation Protective Effects H. Cancer Protective Effects I. Detoxification Support J. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects K. Improved Circulation and Heart Function L. Allergy and Asthma Relief M. Safety Issues A. Edible Microalgae Health Research "Following as a summary of some of the research that has been done over the years on the nutritional and healing properties of microalgae. The research covers several types of microalgae such as spirulina, chlorella and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae as well as marine phytoplankton. It is very evident that the algae and plankton from the oceans and lakes of the planet provide the fundamental nutrient source for all life. Marine phytoplankton in particular is the very basic cornerstone of the food chain. It is phytoplankton with its remarkable ability to transform carbon dioxide, minerals and water into the proteins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids upon which all of life depends; from the tiny zooplankton which feed the krill, which feed the whales and other marine life and ultimately which feeds man. Phytoplanktons are so tiny that they can only be seen under a powerful microscope, yet collectively they form the bulk of the food on the planet. These tiny microscopic cells of marine phytoplankton are a perfect balance of the essential nutrients necessary for life, and unlike many land based plants, they are totally bioavailable." B.
    [Show full text]
  • A Proposed Diatom Stratospheric Life-Form
    A Proposed Diatom Stratospheric Life-form Lincoln Stoller, PhD Mind Strength Balance Victoria, British Columbia, Canada [email protected] 250 – 885 – 8677 February 2018 1 A Proposed Diatomic Stratospheric Life-Form Lincoln Stoller, PhD Abstract We propose a species of diatom that conducts its full life cycle in the lower stratosphere by suggesting physical, chemical, and electrical mechanisms to maintain its location and metabolism. The life-form we propose exploits hydrogen sulfates to create water for hydration, hydrogen for buoyancy, and energy for metabolic processes. We detail a mechanism for harvesting negative ions by stable altitude cycling in the stratosphere's voltage gradient. This theoretical, predictive approach can be applied to terrestrial and extra-terrestrial atmospheric biomes. We suggest life-forms of this sort have been undetected residents in the stratosphere for the last 200 million years, and argue for new observations that preserve the in vivo conditions of the sampling environment, as is necessary to discover fragile, airborne life-forms. Keywords: diatom, aeroplankton, stratosphere, exobiology, electrobiology Past Observations Atmospheric exploration has focused on chemical and physical questions of a statistical, geological, and meteorological nature and limited observations have been undertaken commensurate with those questions. Sampling techniques have included rocket, plane, balloon-borne measurements, and remote sensing. These point, time averages, impact, and high velocity measurements are not commensurate with the observation of delicate structures, biochemical reactions, inhomogeneities, and statistical outliers, including unexpected life-forms, existing within the biome. Adhesion and gas capture sampling methods have collected pressure and temperature insensitive material. There has been limited low velocity collection of isobaric and isothermic samples.
    [Show full text]
  • RAGWEED (Ambrosia L.) POLLEN in AEROPLANKTON of LUBLIN (POLAND) and LVIV (UKRAINE)
    ACTA AGROBOTANICA Vol. 66 (3), 2013: 3–10 Original Research Paper DOI: 10.5586/aa.2013.032 RAGWEED (Ambrosia L.) POLLEN IN AEROPLANKTON OF LUBLIN (POLAND) AND LVIV (UKRAINE) Krystyna Piotrowska-Weryszko1, Elżbieta Weryszko-Chmielewska2, Kateryna Voloshchuk3, Aneta Sulborska2, Nataliya Kalinovych3, Nataliya Vorobets4 1Department of General Ecology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland 2Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland 3Department of Botany, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, 4, Hrushevsky St., Lviv 79005, Ukraine 4Danylo Halytsky Lviv National University, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine e-mail: [email protected] Received: 15.03.2013 Abstract cies of the genus Ambrosia, whose seeds were brought In Europe Ambrosia is included in invasive species. Its from America with grain shipments, have spread across pollen contains very strong allergens that can be the cause of many countries of Europe. Among them, the follow- pollinosis at the turn of summer and autumn. The aim of the ing are the most frequently found: A. artemisiifolia L., present study was to compare Ambrosia pollen concentrations A. psilostachya DC., and A. tryfida L. [3,4,5,6]. in the air of Lublin and Lviv and to analyse the effect of weather In Poland A. artemisiifolia L. and A. psilo- conditions on Ambrosia pollen content in the air. The study was stachya DC are most often recorded. Their locations carried out in 2011 and 2012. In Lublin the volumetric method are dispersed in different parts of the country [7,8]. was applied using a Lanzoni VPPS 2000 trap, whereas in Lviv In Ukraine A.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ecology of Aerial Algae
    THE ECOLOGY OF AERIAL ALGAE Jennifer A. Ress A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY May 2012 Committee: Rex L. Lowe, Advisor John T. Chen Graduate Faculty Representative George S. Bullerjahn Jeffrey R. Johansen Daniel M. Pavuk ii ABSTRACT Rex Lowe, Advisor The ecology and adaptations of aerial algal communities from selected areas in North America were examined. First, morphological adaptations to desiccation as well as microhabitat preference of diatoms were explored from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Reduced size as an adaptation against desiccation was not supported by the data, with aerial diatoms being longer than had been previously shown in the literature. However, a reduction in the amount of open area on the valve face as an adaptation against desiccation was supported by the data. Second, aerial algal communities from the GSMNP and the Lake Superior region were compared and contrasted. Factors structuring algal communities in each region were examined and similarities and differences were identified between the two regions. These regions were not found to support unique aerial algal communities. Third, bryophyte-algal associations were investigated from a cliff face in O’ahu, HI. Algal species were examined for fidelity to bryophyte species within this site. There was no relationship found between algal species and bryophyte species, however, there was a relationship between algal species and both aspect and light levels. Finally, desiccation tolerance of algal communities was studied through a laboratory experiment. Changes in algal community composition were examined after exposure to different periods of desiccation.
    [Show full text]
  • Passive Dispersal of Algae and Protozoa Internally
    PASSIVE DISPERSAL OF ALGAE AND PROTOZOA INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY BY SELECTED AQUATIC INSECTS DISSERTATION Presented to the Graduate Council of the North Texas State University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY By Bernard M. Solon, B. S., M. A, Denton, Texas December, 1970 J Solon, Bernard M., Passive Dispersal of Algae and Protozoa Internally and Externally by Selected Aquatic Insects. Doctor of Philosophy (Biology), December, 1970, S6 pp., 12 tables, 5 illustrations, bibliography, 5$ titles. This investigation was concerned with three aspects of the problem of passive dispersal of algae and protozoa by aquatic insects. The first part was undertaken to further clarify the role of odonates in passive dispersal of viable small aquatic organisms. Special attention was given to (1) sampling odonate species previously unstudied in this role, (2) addi- tional sampling of species for which only anecdotal infor- mation is available and (3) noting geographic variations in passive dispersal of algae and protozoa between odonates from the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest. The studies showed that 24 odonate species were trans- porting 54 genera of small aquatic organisms. The most commonly transported algae were the Chlorophyta (green algae), Microorganism dissemination data on nine previously unstudied Southwestern dragonflies and seven Northwestern odonates showed 20 and 25 genera of microorganisms carried, respec- tively. The green alga Mesotaenium was found for the first 1 time on aquatic insects and the algae Gloeothece, Asterococcus, Hormidium, Rhizoclonium, Cymbella, Diatoma, and Ochromonas are new records for odonates. The percentages of Chlorophyta to total genera carried were about the same for odonates from the Pacific Northwest and Southwest.
    [Show full text]