P hd in Aerobiology and Allergy

Aerobiology is a branch of biology that studies organic particles, such as bacteria, fungal spores, very small insects, pollen grains and viruses, which are passively transported by the air. Fifty years ago aerobiology concentrated on seasonal diffusion of phytopathic fungus spores and aeroallergens. Subsequently, more divers approaches have been applied to problems with widely different organisms involved in the aerobiological pathway, including bacteria, algae, protozoans, and minute arthropods. Aerobiology is used increasingly to gather bio-geographic and ecological information, much of which is essentia! for conservation and environmental protection programs. Biogeography compiles distribution records of indigenous and invading species initially, but aerosol monitoring is more efficient in detecting changes in range margins, which can be useful proxy indicators of environmental change and spread of species of special concern.