Fluid simulations reveal that tree pollen may propagate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 to greater distances!
In a recent study published in the Physics of Fluids journal, researchers have delved into the potential role of pollen in the spread of airborne viruses, such as the one causing COVID-19. The research team, led by Drikakis and Dbouk, has modelled the interaction between pollen grains and the human respiratory system under various environmental conditions.
The study suggests that pollen grains, larger bioaerosol particles compared to viral droplet nuclei, can adsorb or carry viral particles. This phenomenon could extend the airborne lifetime and transport distance of the viruses, potentially increasing their reach.
The researchers simulated gatherings of different sizes, some with individuals infected with the virus, and exposed individuals to 10,000 pollen grains. Each pollen grain was found to carry hundreds of viral particles. The results indicate that airborne pollen grains contribute significantly to the spread of airborne viruses, particularly in crowded environments.
The findings raise concerns about the impact of pollen on airborne virus transmission dynamics, especially in outdoor and poorly ventilated indoor environments. If pollen or other airborne particles substantially extend the dispersion or airborne stability of viruses, then safety distances might need reassessment to factor in longer-range airborne transport, especially in high-pollen, crowded areas.
However, direct evidence linking pollen to increased infectious virus transmission in real-world scenarios remains limited. The researchers encourage further epidemiological and mechanistic studies to better understand the role of pollen in airborne virus transmission.
The team also emphasised the need for more research on other COVID-19 transmission methods. They expressed hope that their study will generate more interest in the dynamics of plant pollen and inspire further investigations in this area.
In the future, researchers plan to investigate the mechanisms behind the interaction between airborne pollen grains and the human respiratory system under different environmental conditions. The authors believe that such studies could lead to the development of new guidelines based on local pollen levels to better manage infection risk.
[1] Drikakis, et al. (2021). Physics of Fluids. [2] Dbouk, et al. (2021). Physics of Fluids. [3] National Allergy Map (2021). [Online]. Available: https://www.pollen.com/ [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- The study in the Physics of Fluids journal, led by Drikakis and Dbouk, suggest that pollen grains, a part of environmental science, might carry and extend the airborne lifetime of viral particles, playing a significant role in the spread of medical-conditions like COVID-19.
- As more research is conducted in the area of health-and-wellness, especially focusing on the interaction between airborne pollen grains and the human respiratory system under various environmental conditions, new guidelines could be developed based on local pollen levels to better manage infection risk.
