A scalable, passive sampling method for the quantification of airborne allergens.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Aerobiology
• Allergy Research

Background:

• Traditional active samplers for aeroallergens are limited by electricity needs and maintenance.
• Aeroallergen concentrations exhibit significant spatial variability in urban and rural settings.
• Cost-effective and scalable methods are needed for broad-scale aeroallergen monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an inexpensive, scalable passive sampling method for determining airborne pollen concentrations.
• To enable wider spatial measurements of aeroallergens.
• To identify areas with the greatest aeroallergen exposure risks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized passive samplers relying on gravitational settling of particles onto microscope slides.
• Employed a modified Durham sampler for sample collection.
• Analyzed samples using light microscopy and calculated pollen concentration based on deposition velocity models.

Main Results:

• The passive sampling method demonstrated strong correlation with the established Burkard sampling method (r > 0.99, r = 0.87).
• The method showed high precision with coefficient of variation (%CV) of 20% and 21%.
• Validation occurred during ragweed and tree pollen seasons in 2020 and 2021.

Conclusions:

• The validated passive sampling method is accurate, reproducible, and cost-effective.
• This method facilitates the examination of airborne pollen concentrations and spatial variability.
• Enables broader spatial scale measurements for improved aeroallergen exposure risk assessment.