Aerobiology Meets Ecology: Development of Low-Cost Passive Gravitational Samplers

Access to proper and reliable research equipment is crucial in all natural science disciplines. This is especially true in biological research since experiments and observations require equipment that will show the same thing consistently. One method often utilized is called sampling, and it means collecting something by using a strict protocol. Our research is focused around sampling pollen and other biological particles from the air around us. If we want to sample particles in the air from locations where there is no electricity, the type of devices we can use limits us. This has led us to develop a sampler that does not require any electrical power; this technique is often referred to as passive sampling. We have created samplers with the design Sigma-2. It works by using a double wall and apertures with strategic placement to deflect the wind, and particles it carries, which then fall into a collection container within the sampler. In this poster we detail the construction, use and analysis using this passive sampler along with methods used to conduct quality control, to ensure that the results we acquire are reliable, replicable and comparable to other samplers.