Survey of Air Spora in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Environmental monitoring of airspora components at two sites in the Brisbane area was carried out for an 18 month period, to cover two peak periods for asthma incidence in this region. Fungal spores, especially those assigned to the Fungi Imperfecti, comprised the most numerous group, and pollen numbers in all samples were consistently low with grass the most abundant pollen. Cladosporium was the most abundant single taxon found throughout the year.

Daily spore and pollen counts showed great variability over time. Spore and pollen levels at the two sites tended to show similar temporal patterns, although the magnitudes varied, possibly reflecting differences in microclimate and vegetation. Most fungal spora were present throughout the entire period with total spore counts peaking in late summer/autumn. Pollen groupings showed distinct peaks with Poaceae and Compositae abundant in autumn, Myrtaceae, Cupressaceae and Plantago peaking in spring and Pinus present only in winter. Overall numbers of spores were comparable with those reported in other more southern Australian areas, although grass pollen numbers were generally lower. Associations between airspora levels and different meteorological parameters are complex, but indicate strong relationships between wet air spora and humidity and rainfall, and significant relationships between temperature and humidity on both Alternaria and Cladosporium.