Aeropalynological Investigation of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Hay fever allergy could either be from pollen or fungi spores. Using the
Hirst model of pollen trap, pollen buckets were constructed; with pollen trap solutions inside them, they were placed in specific locations in the  University of Ilorin for four months (December 2012/January 2013 to  March/April 2013). Using acetolysis reaction, pollens and spores were  recovered from the trap solution and were analyzed and identified in the microscope. Pollen/spore were counted and compared with meteorological
parameters i.e. rainfall, sunshine, wind speed, humidity, and temperature. It was observed that pollen/spore concentrations were influenced by these meteorological factors. Hence there is need for us to always determine the amount of these pollen/spore concentrations all year round as it will help to predict the vegetation of a given area as well as helping hay fever sufferers manage their allergies effectively. ©JASEM

KEYWORDS: Hey fever, meteorological parameters, pollens, spores, climate, University of Ilorin