A Survey of Atmospheric Pollen and Spores in North-Western Nigeria

Authors

  • Olugbenga Shadrak ALEBIOSU University of Lagos, Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, Laboratory of Palynology and Palaeobotany, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos (NG) http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4302-4243
  • Olusola H. ADEKANMBI University of Lagos, Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, Laboratory of Palynology and Palaeobotany, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos (NG)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb10210251

Keywords:

airborne; allergenicity; dominant; local plants; meteorological

Abstract

The incidence of airborne pollen occurring as aeroallergens of varied levels at different periods of the year has generated some public health concern globally. The present study was conducted in order to examine the monthly depositional rate of airborne pollen and fern spores, as well as the impact of meteorological parameters and local plants on pollen distribution at two study sites in Kaduna and Sokoto States of North Western Nigeria. The study spanned a period of one year, during which a modified Tauber pollen sampler was employed in the collection of atmospheric pollen and fern spores; local plants were also enumerated. Residual solution was collected monthly, subjected to acetolysis and the treated residues were viewed for microscopic studies. The results reveal monthly distribution of airborne pollen and fern spore types at the study sites during the sampling period. Dominant pollen types in Kaduna State were those of Alchornea laxiflora, Pinus caribaea, Terminalia sp., Sapotaceae and Poaceae family. Pollen of Syzygium guineense, Alchornea sp., Sapotaceae and Poaceae dominated in Sokoto State. Spores of Pteris sp., Nephrolepis sp. and a trilete fern were also recovered at both locations. Some local plants in the immediate vegetation contributed to the aeroflora of these locations. No significant correlation was recorded between monthly total pollen concentrations and mean monthly meteorological parameters of the locations. It is imperative to investigate the allergenicity of these dominant pollen types, so as to aid pollen hypersensitive individuals in adopting appropriate prophylactic measures.

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Published

2018-06-29

How to Cite

ALEBIOSU, O. S., & ADEKANMBI, O. H. (2018). A Survey of Atmospheric Pollen and Spores in North-Western Nigeria. Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 10(2), 182–192. https://doi.org/10.15835/nsb10210251

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Research articles
CITATION
DOI: 10.15835/nsb10210251