The macroecology of airborne pollen in Australian and New Zealand urban areas

PLoS One. 2014 May 29;9(5):e97925. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097925. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

The composition and relative abundance of airborne pollen in urban areas of Australia and New Zealand are strongly influenced by geographical location, climate and land use. There is mounting evidence that the diversity and quality of airborne pollen is substantially modified by climate change and land-use yet there are insufficient data to project the future nature of these changes. Our study highlights the need for long-term aerobiological monitoring in Australian and New Zealand urban areas in a systematic, standardised, and sustained way, and provides a framework for targeting the most clinically significant taxa in terms of abundance, allergenic effects and public health burden.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants* / adverse effects
  • Allergens
  • Australia
  • Climate
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • New Zealand
  • Pollen* / adverse effects
  • Seasons
  • Urban Health*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Allergens

Grants and funding

Funding support for the Working Group came from the Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (ACEAS). Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). Merck Sharp and Dohme provided additional independent untied co-sponsorship for the Working Group. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.