| Abstract Detail
Ecology Ghosh, Nabarun [1], DeLeon, Lyanna [2], Howard, Aubrey [1], Vitale, Jay [3]. Early flowering, increase in aeroallergen and AFLPCO Nanotechnology to clean the air. Global warming and its effect is evident all over the world. One of the major factor that is influenced significantly by the increase in global temperature is the flowering season. Early flowering and a gradual shift in arrival of spring have been recorded in recent years. We used a Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap to capture the aeroallergens. We stained the exposed tapes with trapped aeroallergen with 2% Safranin-Gelvatol solution. We have recorded early blooming and prolific pollen production among the weeds in Texas Panhandle area that has significant correlation with increased cases of allergic rhinitis cases. The pollen indices increased significantly for short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), all the grasses (Poaceae), hairy sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus), buffalo bur (Solanum rostratum), purple nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) and lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album) and many other weeds. Twenty-two years’ data from our Aerobiology lab showed the number of cases of allergic rhinitis is up significantly. We found a strong correlation between the early flowering, change in pollen season and higher count among allergenic taxa with the increased cases of allergic rhinitis in Texas Panhandle. As we analyzed and compared the data from the prepared slides they exhibit a significant increase in the number of dead insects and insect parts with the other forms of burnt debris in the year that may have traveled hundreds of miles from the source of wildfires. With the current unprecedented situation of COVID-19, indoor air-quality has become a major concern all over the world. Air quality has become a greatly challenging issue and millions of people are dying due to polluted, unacceptable air quality in different countries of the world. There is a great demand for an energy efficient air purifier that cleans up the air efficiently. With revolutionary, energy-efficient technology, that is filter-less, AFL Mini II® fights impurities by cleaning and sanitizing the air and surfaces in rooms up to 330 square feet. The long-life UVC lamp fitted in the AFL Mini Sanifier II® destroys germs as they pass through UV light. The light rays react with the nano metal AFLPCO® catalyst to produce an abundance of negative ions, which find and destroy carbon based molecules including bacteria, viruses and VOCs. Hydrocarbon contaminants are broken down into water and carbon dioxide. The AFL PLASMA® ionizers reduce aero-allergenic particulate matter such as dust, pollen, PM 2.5 and pet dander. To test the efficiency of the AFL-Mini Sanifier, we prepared the glass slides coated with double-sided tape and placed them in different locations in the Aerobiology Lab to compare the indoor aeroallergen concentration before and after using the AFL-Mini Sanifier. After staining with 2% Safranin-Gelvatol solution, the prepared slides were observed using a BX-40 Olympus Microscope. After testing and recording the data on PM 2.5, mold spores and pollen we found a gradual reduction of overall aeroallergen concentration after the intervals of 24h., 48h. and 72h. We also used petri dishes to compare the microbial colonies formed at 48h. and 72h. exposure before and after using the AFL-Mini Air Sanifier.
1 - West Texas A&M University, Department of Life Earth and Environmental Sciences, Canyon, TX, 79015, USA
2 - West Texas A&M University, Life Earth and Environmental Science, 4th Ave, Canyon, TX, 79016, USA
3 - Air For Life (UK), Department of Research and Development, Blackhill Drive, MK12 5TS , Milton Keynes, MK12, UK
Keywords:
Global change
Air Quality
Air Purifier.
Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PEC010
Abstract ID:669
Candidate for Awards:Phytochemical Best Poster Award |
