Aerobiology

Aerobiology study of the atmospheric dispersal or airborne propagules of both plants and animals which exert specific biological effects. These include microorganisms, spores and pollen grains, and parts of plant or insect bodies. Aerobiology, on which scientific attention has been focussed so far, is associated with another sphere of activities, environmental monitoring of the air quality in enclosed spaces. Aerobiological studies are now interwoven with biometeorology.

Air in most cities of Bangladesh is nowadays polluted with many microscopic inorganic and organic particles. Different kinds of ailments like rhinitis, allergy, asthma and hay fever are caused due to these airborne particles, especially pollen and spores. Aerobiological surveys to identify the local or regional atmospheric biological objects are now monitored in many countries and big cities. Data on the quantity and quality of airborne pollen and allergens are useful in treating patients with allergy. The seasonal incidence and concentration of allergens vary from place to place depending on local biodiversity.

Data on the relative abundance of biological objects or the phenology of plants of an area along with aero-palynological studies can provide the 'bio-air pollutants' of the area. In Bangladesh, aerobiological study is in the stage of infancy. About 2 million people are suffering from bronchial asthma and there are about 5 million different kinds of allergen-patients. Their ailments are mostly caused by bio-pollutants present in the air. [Mostafa Kamal Pasha]