AirBiD: Airborne biodiversity modulated by Urban Green Elements

Biodiversity in cities is strongly influenced by humans. The structure and composition of different areas - green spaces, parks, industrial or residential areas - can have a major impact on air quality in cities. In addition, to the most commonly known air contaminants such as CO2, nitrogen oxides or particulate matter, there are also many biological particles in the air. These particles, called bioaerosols, include things like pollen, fungal spores, and bacteria. They can have both positive and negative effects on our health, such as causing allergies or infections. The composition and diversity of bioaerosol species is an important factor for the health effect of bioaerosols. The AirBiD project investigates how green spaces, also known as nature-based solutions (NBS), influence the amount and diversity of bioaerosols in urban areas. To this end, the project has various key aspects. In one of them, air samples in various spaces in cities are collected, near and far from green spaces, to investigate the diversity of bioaerosols. State-of- the-art molecular biological methods are used and so-called genetic fingerprints (DNA sequencing) of various species are examined. This data is used to create a map that links the bioaerosol composition and diversity with the composition of the different areas. The sampling campaigns take place in Vienna, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Trento, including five European countries in this project. The second key aspects, relate to investigating whether air quality can be modified and specifically improved by plants. The effect of plants on various gases has already been investigated, but the influence on biological particles has not been studied yet. The third focus focuses, lies on the influence of bioaerosols on health. Especially in this topic, but also in the other focus points, the project relies on the involvement of the population in a citizen science approach. People are asked to actively participate in the project, to support the collection of data or to carry out small experiments themselves. This approach makes it possible to connect research directly with the public and to create a benefit for scientists and the population. At the end of the project, ways will be proposed to preserve and improve air biodiversity in cities, with the aim of increasing the positive effects on human well-being and minimizing harmful health effects. In addition, AirBiD will create guidelines and recommendations for the construction and management of sustainable green spaces. These will be made available to the public in local languages and with infographics to help people understand the benefits of urban nature-based solutions even in countries not directly involved in the project.