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Project Code [2019-HW-PhD-5]

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Project title

Investigation into the sampling, modelling and chemical interactions of pollen via novel methodologies.

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

Lead Applicant

Emma Markey

Project Abstract

The proposed research will involve the collection and analysis of collected pollen samples/data using commonly employed (traditional) techniques, state of the art real-time devices and other spectroscopic methods. This work will provide information on average pollen concentrations, the most prevalent species and the seasonality of different pollen types in the Irish environment. This will provide vital information to those that suffer from hay fever or asthma potentially lessening their exposure to such allergens. An Irish pollen network will be established operating in both urban and rural settings. With the countries two major urban centres of Dublin and Cork initially being targeted (greatest population densities) in tandem with a rural background site (Carlow and Sligo). This research will also investigate the interaction of manmade pollution and pollen to determine whether pollution is modifying the surface/chemical composition of pollen. Finally the collected data will be incorporated into the production of the first Irish pollen forecast/model in decades (Current forecasts estimated based on data from the UK).

Grant Approved

�96,000.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Health and well being

Start Date

01/09/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2023