The field of aerobiology is often considered the microbiology of the atmosphere. It is the study of the movement of biological particles (bioaerosols) or products of organisms within the atmosphere or within the indoor environment. By its very nature, the field of aerobiology is interdisciplinary with meteorology and aerosol physics at its core and with applications in the fields of allergy, public health, immunology, palynology, agriculture, plant pathology, biochemistry, and microbiology. The following are some useful links to aerobiology sites.

• Pan American Aerobiology Association (PAAA)

•  International Aerobiology Association (IAA)

• European Aerobiology Society 

Researchers conduct air sampling to study particles or chemicals in the air. There are many types of air sampling instruments based on the type of material that is being studied. To identify airborne allergens like pollen and fungal spores, the most widely used air sampling equipment is a Hirst-type spore trap, such as the Burkard spore trap shown below at The University of Tulsa. This instrument draws in air at 10 liters per minute for 24 hours a day. Particles in the air stream including pollen and spores are impacted on a greased tape or a microscope slide. This sample is then processed to stain the pollen and then examined under a microscope for the identification of the pollen and spores. Air sampling with a Burkard sampler has been conducted for over 37 years at TU.