Relevance of aerobiological studies in Nigeria: a two-year aerospora record of Lagos

Pollen and fungal spores (aerospora) are major atmospheric bioaerosols for pollen allergy sufferers. Aerospora types and concentration vary seasonally, depending upon the flowering period and meteorological factors which are variable in different geographical regions. The aim of this study was to analyze a two-year record of aerospora from two locations (Epe and Ojo) in Lagos (Nigeria), from May 2014 to April 2016. Aerospora were monitored with a modified Tauber sampler. The residual solution was harvested monthly throughout the duration of the study and acetolyzed, and microscopic slides were prepared. Aerospora were analyzed with light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM studies were applied to reach a higher level of pollen identification. A plant enumeration was carried out in the surroundings of the sampling sites. The aerobiological study revealed seasonal distribution patterns of various aerospora. The highest total pollen counts for 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 were recorded in April–July for both sites while minima occurred in January–December. Pollen of Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cyperaceae was dominant. Other taxa include Borreria sp., Elaeis guineensis , Amaranthus sp., Tridax procumbens . Fungal spores showed a high recovery for the months April–August for Epe in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016. In Ojo, fungal spores were high in July–August for 2014–2015 and in April–August for 2015–2016. Common fungal spores include those of Alternaria, Nigrospora , and Curvularia . The relationship between the aerospora spectra and the vegetation at the study locations was qualitatively investigated. There is a need to further test the allergenicity of pollen of common plants in Nigeria to inform pollen-hypersensitive individuals.