A characterization of the physical
e
chemical composition of the atmospheric PM adsorbed to airborne
pollen was performed. Airborne pollen was sampled using a Hirst-type volumetric spore sampler and
observed using a Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyser for PM analysis. A secondary electron
image was taken of each pollen grain and EDS spectra were obtained for individually adsorbed particles.
All images were analysed and the size parameters of the particles adsorbed to pollen was determined.
The measured particles
’
equivalent diameter varied between 0.1 and 25.8
m
m, mostly in the
fi
ne fraction.
The dominant particulates identi
fi
ed were Si-rich, Organic-rich, SO-rich, Metals
&
Oxides and Cl-rich.
Signi
fi
cant daily differences were observed in the physical
e
chemical characteristics of particles adsor-
bed to the airborne pollen wall. These differences were correlated with weather parameters and at-
mospheric PM concentration. Airborne pollen has the ability to adsorb
fi
ne particles that may enhance its
allergenicity.