Melissopalynological analysis applied to air pollution studies in urban areas of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy)

Summary This paper presents melissopalynological investigations applied to air pollution studies. During this research honey produced in an urban environment was subjected to pollen analysis. Also, the honey was chemically analysed for studies using the bee as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni). In 1987–88, 96 samples from the cities of Modena and Reggio Emilia were examined. Palynological analysis under the microscope was complemented by direct observations of the environment, e.g. movements of honey-bees, phenology, plant distribution. Results of melissopalynological analysis proved the wide potential of bees as bioindicators. Moreover, these data supply useful information for the full interpretation of chemical analyses. In particular, it is possible to verify the correspondence between honey and monitored period to check if the sample was in fact produced in the previous month. It is also possible to correlate the honey and the monitored site, i.e., the preferential routes of bees. Finally, it is worthwhile pointing out the presence of the honeydew in the composition of the examined sample: this substance can act as a ?trap? for airborne particles, increasing their concentration in honey.     

The capture media in aerobiological sampling

In this paper a comparative study of different adhesive media used with the impaction suction sampler have been done. The sampling was carried out by means of a Burkard spore trap and a double-blind comparison of vaseline, petrolatum white and silicone fluid (silicone/carbon tetrachloride) was done. With the aim to compare the adhesive efficiency with different pollen grain sizes and shapes, some different pollen types were used. Moreover, in order to compare the media under different weather conditions the sampling was done outdoors, in different seasons. The differences in the efficiency of these media where small, but occasionally significant. These differences depend on the climatic conditions as temperature influences vaseline adhesivity. In conclusion, we suggest the utilization of silicone fluid because of its stability to temperature and its easy application.