Aerobiology is the study of the movement and dispersal of living or once-living material through the atmosphere. Historically, investigations of the migration and dispersal of insect pest species have been undertaken at NRI. Over the past 20 years, however, these studies have been expanded to include the investigations of the movement of fungal spores and pollen through the atmosphere, in relation to plant and human health. We work both in the UK and overseas.

The pollen and spore monitoring site at Lower Stoke © University of Greenwich

During the 1990s NRI staff undertook a major project investigating the role of the wind in the airborne dispersal of the fungal pathogens (Mycosphaerella spp) causing Sigatoka diseases in banana and plantain. Sigatoka diseases cause major reductions in fruit quality and plant yield, and this investigation involved studies of the dispersal of airborne spores within and outside infected plantations. The results of fieldwork in Uganda and Costa Rica greatly enhanced our knowledge of the epidemiology of these major diseases, identifying the constraints on spore dispersal and, hence, quantifying the need to protect isolated banana-growing areas.

In recent years, aerobiological studies at the University have been expanded and now include investigations within the Medway area of the airborne spread of pollen and spores, primarily in relation to agriculture but also with regard to human respiratory diseases. The latter investigations have also considered the dispersal of airborne pollutants.

The University operates a pollen/spore monitoring site on the Campus at Chatham Maritime, and a seasonal site at Lower Stoke on the Isle of Grain, about 15 km from Campus. The use of these sites provides data from contrasting environments (rural and semi-rural, respectively). Each site contains a standard Burkard volumetric pollen trap. Consequently, the data collected in the Medway area are directly comparable to those collected at other aerobiological sites within the UK and Europe.

Studies of airborne pollen and spores in relation to agriculture are enabling a database of species caught to be established. This gives information not only about local species but also about those entering the Medway area either from the continent or elsewhere in the south-east of England. This is particularly important when considering the transport and further development of invading species under various climate change scenarios or in relation to changes in agricultural practice.

Previous and current research has investigated the relationships between airborne pollen and spore loads, airborne pollution (particularly particulate material) and lung function in groups susceptible to respiratory problems (for example asthmatics, children and the elderly), as are investigations of automatic characterization and source apportionment of airborne microscopic material, and the role of topographic airflows in the dispersal of biological and non-biological material in Kent and across the English Channel. These studies are conducted in collaboration with local authorities, health charities, self-help organizations (for example the Medway Asthma Self Help - MASH) and other research groups within the Thames Corridor, the rest of Kent and also in Sussex.