Aerobiology in Poland: Achievements and challenges

Abstract

Aerobiology is a scientific discipline that focuses on investigating biological particles (bioaerosols) passively transported in the atmosphere, mainly fungal spores and pollen grains. Due to the allergic and pathogenic properties of these particles, aerobiological data is widely used in allergology, plant pathology, and agriculture. In addition, the results of aerobiological monitoring have found applications in biogeography, paleoecology, forestry, veterinary medicine, forensic science, and climate change research, as well as in the assessment of threats to the deterioration of cultural heritage. In this review, the contribution of Polish scientists to the development of worldwide aerobiology is presented. The most important results on the atmospheric dispersion of bioaerosols, spatiotemporal modeling, and novel methods used in aerobiological research are described. Moreover, the cooperation at the national and international levels as part of scientific programs and the perspectives for further development of aerobiology in Poland are discussed.