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.