Abundance and heterogeneity of algae in the Mexico City atmosphere

Abstract

Ten species of algae were collected from the Mexico City atmosphere, among them two species not previously reported: Botryokorine simplex and Chlorogloea microcystoides. 65% of the samples taken from July to August 1982 and July to December 1985, were positive. Counts as low as 0-23.3 algae m-3 were recorded which could be due to a low sultriness index and light and northerly winds. With humidity values over 80% and under 30% negative culture tubes were obtained. The allergenic characteristics of most of the algae genera isolated have been checked, but there is no information about the characteristics of several other species. The present paper indicates that very precise meteorological parameters must be measured at the sampling site before valid relationships between aerial biota and environmental conditions can be determined. A more complete understanding of the soil and subaerial algal composition is needed before the nature of the biota in the atmosphere could be adequately described.