Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in environmental biology: A Review

Acquiring information about the environment is a key step during each study in the field of environmental biology at different levels, from an individual species to community and biome. However, obtaining information about the environment is frequently difficult because of, for example, the phenological timing, spatial distribution of a species or limited accessibility of a particular area for the field survey. Moreover, remote sensing technology, which enables the observation of the Earth’s surface and is currently very common in environmental research, has many limitations such as insufficient spatial, spectral and temporal resolution and a high cost of data acquisition. Since the 1990s, researchers have been exploring the potential of different types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for monitoring Earth’s surface. The present study reviews recent scientific literature dealing with the use of UAV in environmental biology. Amongst numerous papers, short communications and conference abstracts, we selected 110 original studies of how UAVs can be used in environmental biology and which organisms can be studied in this manner. Most of these studies concerned the use of UAV to measure the vegetation parameters such as crown height, volume, number of individuals (14 studies) and quantification of the spatio-temporal dynamics of vegetation changes (12 studies). UAVs were also frequently applied to count birds and mammals, especially those living in the water. Generally, the analytical part of the present study was divided into following sections: (1) detecting, assessing and predicting threats on vegetation, (2) measuring the biophysical parameters of vegetation, (3) quantifying the dynamics of changes in plants and habitats and (4) population and behaviour studies of animals. At the end, we also synthesised all the information showing, amongst others, the advances in environmental biology because of UAV application. Considering that 33% of studies found and included in this review were published in 2017 and 2018, it is expected that the number and variety of applications of UAVs in environmental biology will increase in the future

Cross-sensitization to Artemisia and Ambrosia Pollen Allergens in an Area Located Outside of the Current Distribution Range of Ambrosia

Introduction : The role of long-distance transported (LDT) Ambrosia pollen in inducing new sensitization and affecting sensitization rates in Artemisia -sensitized patients is unclear. Aim : The aim of this study was to estimate the degree of cross-sensitization to Ambrosia / Artemisia allergens in citizens of Poznan (Western Poland). This area is covered by extensive Artemisia populations but does not currently have local Ambrosia populations. Material and methods : Sera of 119 patients were tested by fluoroenzyme immunoassay (CAP-FEIA system) against pollen allergen extracts of Artemisia vulgaris and Ambrosia artemisiifolia , an allergenic component of A. vulgaris (nArt v 1), and an allergenic component of A. artemisiifolia ( nAmb a 1 ). Skin prick tests (SPTs, n = 86) were performed with pollen allergen extracts of A. vulgaris and A. artemisiifolia . Artemisia and Ambrosia pollen in ambient air was collected (1996�2013) by a Hirst type volumetric trap sited at roof level (33 m). Results : The SPT showed that the prevalence of sensitization to Ambrosia and Artemisia pollen exceeded 3.5, and 10.5, respectively. The measurements of IgE in blood serum (CAP-FEIA) revealed that among Ambrosia -sensitized patients 90.1 (20/22 patients) were concomitantly sensitized to Artemisia . 59.1 (13/22) of these patients reacted to nArt v 1, suggesting primary sensitization to Artemisia pollen. Only 2 (9.1) patients were mono-sensitized to Ambrosia pollen extract, but surprisingly not to nAmb a 1 . Conclusions : The LDT Ambrosia pollen had a negligible effect on the rate of sensitization to Ambrosia allergens in Poznan and did not increase the prevalence of sensitization to Artemisia pollen in this region. However, the majority of patients showing hypersensitization to Artemisia pollen might also present symptoms during elevated episodes of LDT of Ambrosia pollen

Concomitant Occurrence of Anthropogenic Air Pollutants, Mineral Dust and Fungal Spores During Long-distance Transport of Ragweed Pollen

Abstract: Large-scale synoptic conditions are able to transport considerable amounts of airborne particles over entire continents by creating substantial air mass movement. This phenomenon is observed in Europe in relation to highly allergenic ragweed (Ambrosia L.) pollen that are transported from populations in Central Europe (mainly the Pannonian Plain and Balkans) to the North. The path taken by atmospheric ragweed pollen often passes through the highly industrialised mining region of Silesia in Southern Poland, considered to be one of the most polluted areas in the EU. It is hypothesized that chemical air pollutants released over Silesia could become mixed with biological material and be transported to less polluted regions further North. We analysed levels of air pollution during episodes of longdistance transport (LDT) of ragweed pollen to Poland. Results show that, concomitantly with pollen, the concentration of air pollutants with potential health-risk, i.e. SO2, and PM10, have also significantly increased (by 104% and 37%, respectively) in the receptor area (Western Poland). Chemical transport modelling (EMEP) and air mass back-trajectory analysis (HYSPLIT) showed that potential sources of PM10 include Silesia, as well as mineral dust from the Ukrainian steppe and the Sahara Desert. In addition, atmospheric concentrations of other allergenic biological particles, i.e. Alternaria Nees ex Fr. spores, also increased markedly (by 115%) during LDT episodes. We suggest that the LDT episodes of ragweed pollen over Europe are not a “one-component” phenomenon, but are often related to elevated levels of chemical air pollutants and other biotic and abiotic components (fungal spores and desert dust)

Pollen Nightmare: Elevated Airborne Pollen Levels at Night

High airborne pollen concentrations are generally associated with daylight hours when it is sunny and warm and plants release pollen into the air (Alcázar et al. 1999; Dahl et al. 2013). In contrast, cooler night-time periods are usually considered to be the time of low-allergy risk. This opinion is often reflected in pollen allergy avoidance strategies presented by the media, where the most commonly repeated recommendation is to stay indoors during the day and plan outdoor activities for the evening. However, there is evidence to suggest that elevated concentrations of airborne pollen might also occur during the evening (e.g. Norris-Hill and Emberlin 1991). So, is the night really a time of low-allergy risk? We present the results of the comparative analysis of pollen concentrations during daytime and night-time hours for five allergenic pollen types (Burbach et al. 2009), i.e. alder (Alnus sp.), birch (Betula sp.), grasses (Poaceae), mugwort (Artemisia sp.) and ragweed (Ambrosia sp.)

Particle size distribution of the major Alternaria alternata allergen, Alt a 1, derived from airborne spores and subspore fragments

Abstract Fungal fragments are abundant immunoreactive bioaerosols that may outnumber the concentrations of intact spores in the air. To investigate the importance of Alternaria fragments as sources of allergens compared to Alternaria spores, we determined the levels of Alternaria spores and Alt a 1 (the major allergen in Alternaria alternata spores) collected on filters within three fractions of particulate matter (PM) of different aerodynamic diameter: (1) PM>10, (diameter>10μm); (2) PM2.5-10 (2.5-10μm); (3) PM2.5 (0.12-2.5μm). The airborne particles were collected using a three stage high-volume ChemVol cascade impactor during the Alternaria sporulation season in Poznań, Poland (30 days between 6 July and 22 September 2016). The quantification of Alt a 1 was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High concentrations of Alt a 1 were recorded during warm and dry days characterized by high sunshine duration, lack of clouds and high dew point values. Atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria spores correlated significantly (r=0.930, p30%) was observed in PM2.5-10 than in PM>10. This Alt a 1 excess may be derived from sources other than spores, e.g. hyphal fragments. Overall, in outdoor air the major source of Alt a 1 are intact Alternaria spores, but the impact of other fungal fragments (hyphal parts, broken spores, conidiophores) cannot be neglected, as they may increase the total atmospheric Alt a 1 concentration

Mesoscale Atmospheric Transport of Ragweed Pollen Allergens from Infected to Uninfected Areas

Allergenic ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) pollen grains, after being released from anthers, can be dispersed by air masses far from their source. However, the action of air temperature,humidity and solar radiation on pollen grains in the atmosphere could impact on the ability of long distance transported (LDT) pollen to maintain allergenic potency. Here, we report that the major allergen of Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen (Amb a 1) collected in ambient air during episodes of LDT still have immunoreactive properties. The amount of Amb a 1 found in LDT ragweed pollen grains was not constant and varied between episodes. In addition to allergens in pollen sized particles, we detected reactive Amb a 1 in subpollen sized respirable particles. These findings suggest that ragweed pollen grains have the potential to cause allergic reactions, not only in the heavily infested areas but, due to LDT episodes, also in the regions unaffected by ragweed populations

Flowering phenology and pollen production in different microclimatic conditions of a city and their influence on Betula spp. and Artemisia spp. pollen season pattern in Poznań

Wydział Biologii: Instytut Biologii Środowiska, Pracownia AeropalinologiiW pracy przeanalizowano uwarunkowania mikroklimatyczne fenologii kwitnienia roślin alergennych Betula pendula i Artemisia vulgaris na terenie miasta Poznania i najbliższych okolic w latach 2012-2014. Ponadto zbadano relacje między emisją ziaren pyłku jednego gatunku brzozy i trzech gatunków bylicy w obszarze badań a ich imisją (stężeniem) notowaną w dwóch punktach pomiarowych w mieście. Wykorzystano dane z posterunków pomiarowych temperatury powietrza, dane satelitarne Landsat i Terra (MODIS), dane fenologiczne oraz produkcji pyłku i liczebności populacji uzyskane w badaniach terenowych i laboratoryjnych, stężenia ziaren pyłku mierzone w dwóch punktach, a także dane użytkowania terenu. W Poznaniu natężenie miejskiej wyspy ciepła w okresie badań wyniosło od 6 do 10°C biorąc pod uwagę dane MODIS. W centrum miasta kwitnienie brzozy następowało średnio 1,4-4,7 dnia wcześniej niż poza nim. Ujawniono silną negatywną zależność między terminami kwitnienia brzozy i bylicy a temperaturą w okresie poprzedzającym kwitnienie oraz powierzchnią dróg. Utworzono mapy fenologiczne oraz modele prognozujące rozkład przestrzenny terminów kwitnienia brzozy brodawkowatej. Wykazano, że gatunki bylic występujące w Poznaniu mają stałą sekwencję kwitnienia, najpierw A. vulgaris, potem A. absinthium i A. campestris. A vulgaris jest odpowiedzialna za dwie trzecie zaś A. campestris i A absinthium za trzecią część ziaren pyłku uwalnianych w obszarze badań. Opracowano także metodę szacowania potencjalnej emisji ziaren pyłku na danym obszarze.Flowering phenology and pollen production of allergenic plants, Betula pendula and Artemisia vulgaris were analyzed in the context of microclimatic diversity of a city and its surroundings in years 2012-2013 in Poznań. Also, the relationship between the potential pollen emission of B. pendula, A. vulgaris, A. absinthium, A. campestris from a study area and the pollen concentration at the trap level was investigated. Following data have been used: air temperature from 7 city stations, Landsat and MODIS data, phenological, pollen production and population density data from field observations, airborne pollen concentration at two sites as well as land-use data. Taking into consideration the MODIS data, the mean intensity of surface urban heat island in Poznań reached 6-10°C in study period. Flowering in the city center began, on average, 1.4 – 4.7 days before the flowering in the outskirts for B. pendula. A significant negative relationship has been revealed between the timing of flowering and land surface temperature as well as road surface. Phenological maps and models have been developed as well. Three Artemisia species showed stable phenological order: A. vulgaris flowered as first, then A. absinthium and A. campestris. A. vulgaris was responsible for the majority of pollen emitted in study area, but A. campestris was also an important pollen contributor. Also, a method for estimating pollen emission from particular area was proposed

Optimization of evapotranspiration models and synoptic conditions of reference evapotranspiration in Poland

Wydział Nauk Geograficznych i GeologicznychEwapotranspiracja jest trudno mierzalnym procesem, który ma kluczowe znaczenie przy szacowaniu bilansu wodnego oraz przy nawadnianiu. W ramach działań Światowej Organizacji na rzecz Wyżywienia i Rolnictwa (FAO) opracowano wzór służący do szacowania ewapotranspiracji wskaźnikowej (ET0), możliwy do zastosowania na całym świecie. W przypadku niedoboru danych meteorologicznych wzór ten nie pozwala jednak na dokładne oszacowanie ET0. Taka sytuacja miała również miejsce na obszarze Polski. W tej pracy dokonano optymalizacji wzoru FAO-56 Penmana-Monteitha (FAO56) do warunków klimatycznych Polski. Wykazano, że możliwe jest dokładne obliczanie ET0 w Polsce w przypadku braku danych promieniowania słonecznego. W pracy zoptymalizowano też m.in. wzór Hargreavesa, który po tym zabiegu pozwala na dokładne szacowanie ET0 tylko na podstawie temperatury. W pracy określono, że antycyklonalne typy cyrkulacji nad NE Polską oraz wyższa od średniej temperatura na powierzchni izobarycznej 850 hPa nad Niemcami są synoptycznymi wskaźnikami wysokiej ET0 w Polsce. Wykazano również wzrost ET0 w latach 1971-2010 co dotyczyło też czynników sprzyjających wysokiej ET0. Zbadano możliwość wykorzystania danych parowania z ewaporometru basenowego (średnica= 5 m, głębokość= 2 m) do określania ET0. Okazało się jednak, że parowanie z tego ewaporometru nie nadaje się do szacowania ET0 w Polsce.Evapotranspiration is a process of a crucial importance in water balance studies and irrigation practices and it is also difficult to be measured. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) experts developed a model for the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) estimation. This model shows reliable results in different places in the world. However, it produces poor results in case of the meteorological data shortages. In this study, the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (FAO56) model was calibrated for climatic conditions in Poland. Consequently, this calibrated model is able to estimate ET0 reliably in case of the lack of radiation data. Among others, Hargreaves model was also calibrated and now it allows for reliable calculating ET0 in Poland using only temperature data. It was indicated that anticyclonic patterns in NE Poland and higher-than-normal air temperature at 850 hPa over Germany cause extremely high ET0 values in Poland. ET0 and factors that affect ET0 increased in years 1971-2010. Furthermore, pan evaporation data (evaporation pan: diameter= 5 m, depth= 2 m) were tested for using as a predictor for ET0. It was indicated that the data from this evaporation pan are not useful for estimating ET0, probably due to the large size of the pan.Praca została sfinansowana ze środków Narodowego Centrum Nauki przyznanych na podstawie decyzji numer DEC-2011/01/N/ST10/0595

Lidar-Derived Tree Crown Parameters: Are They New Variables Explaining Local Birch (Betula sp.) Pollen Concentrations?

Birch trees are abundant in central and northern Europe and are dominant trees in broadleaved forests. Birches are pioneer trees that produce large quantities of allergenic pollen efficiently dispersed by wind. The pollen load level depends on the sizes and locations of pollen sources, which are important for pollen forecasting models; however, very limited work has been done on this topic in comparison to research on anthropogenic air pollutants. Therefore, we used highly accurate aerial laser scanning (Light Detection and Ranging—LiDAR) data to estimate the size and location of birch pollen sources in 3-dimensional space and to determine their influence on the pollen concentration in Poznań, Poland. LiDAR data were acquired in May 2012. LiDAR point clouds were clipped to birch individuals (mapped in 2012–2014 and in 2019), normalised, filtered, and individual tree crowns higher than 5 m were delineated. Then, the crown surface and volume were calculated and aggregated according to wind direction up to 2 km from the pollen trap. Consistent with LIDAR data, hourly airborne pollen measurements (performed using a Hirst-type, 7-day volumetric trap), wind speed and direction data were obtained in April 2012. We delineated 18,740 birch trees, with an average density of 14.9/0.01 km2, in the study area. The total birch crown surface in the 500–1500 m buffer from the pollen trap was significantly correlated with the pollen concentration aggregated by the wind direction (r = 0.728, p = 0.04). The individual tree crown delineation performed well (r2 ≥ 0.89), but overestimations were observed at high birch densities (> 30 trees/plot). We showed that trees outside forests substantially contribute to the total pollen pool. We suggest that including the vertical dimension and the trees outside the forest in pollen source maps have the potential to improve the quality of pollen forecasting models

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in environmental biology: a review

Acquiring information about the environment is a key step during each study in the field of environmental biology at different levels, from an individual species to community and biome. However, obtaining information about the environment is frequently difficult because of, for example, the phenological timing, spatial distribution of a species or limited accessibility of a particular area for the field survey. Moreover, remote sensing technology, which enables the observation of the Earth’s surface and is currently very common in environmental research, has many limitations such as insufficient spatial, spectral and temporal resolution and a high cost of data acquisition. Since the 1990s, researchers have been exploring the potential of different types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for monitoring Earth’s surface. The present study reviews recent scientific literature dealing with the use of UAV in environmental biology. Amongst numerous papers, short communications and conference abstracts, we selected 110 original studies of how UAVs can be used in environmental biology and which organisms can be studied in this manner. Most of these studies concerned the use of UAV to measure the vegetation parameters such as crown height, volume, number of individuals (14 studies) and quantification of the spatio-temporal dynamics of vegetation changes (12 studies). UAVs were also frequently applied to count birds and mammals, especially those living in the water. Generally, the analytical part of the present study was divided into following sections: (1) detecting, assessing and predicting threats on vegetation, (2) measuring the biophysical parameters of vegetation, (3) quantifying the dynamics of changes in plants and habitats and (4) population and behaviour studies of animals. At the end, we also synthesised all the information showing, amongst others, the advances in environmental biology because of UAV application. Considering that 33% of studies found and included in this review were published in 2017 and 2018, it is expected that the number and variety of applications of UAVs in environmental biology will increase in the future