AEROPALYNOLOGY OF AYETORO–ITELE, OTA SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
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Date
2016
Authors
Adeonipekun, A. P.
Agbalaya, A. E.
Adeniyi, T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Palynological Association of Nigeria (PAN) and University of Ibadan press
Abstract
A twelve-month aeropalynofloral survey at Ayetoro-Itele Ota southwest Nigeria documents the palynomorphs and diatoms in the atmosphere of the area. Pollen of Poaceae, Alchornea cordifolia, Elaeis guineensis, Typha spp., Cleome spp., Ocimum gratissimum, Aracaceae (Palmae), Cheno-Ams and Combret/Melastomaceae dominate the flora. Dominant pteridophyte spores include Dryopteris sp. Acrostichum aureum, Polypodium, Nephrolepis, cf. Cyclosus afer and Pteris spp. Aulacoseira spp., Diatoma and Synedra constitute the diatom assemblage. The abundance and diversity of these aerofloral assemblages were related to meteorological parameters. A total of 102 pollen and spores species (46 families) were recognized. Pollen dominates over spores with Poaceae exhibiting dominance over other sporomorphs. Aeroflora are more abundant with higher diversity during the dry months. Bisaccate pollen appeared first feebly in June but became appreciable in windy August and September. This work recorded bisaccate pollen for the first time in aeropalynology in Nigeria. Four aeropalynological seasons were recognized within the twelve months study. Charred Poaceae cuticles, diatoms and fungal elements are more abundant in dry months due to high wind speed and low rainfall. Poaceae, Alchornea, Celosia, Dryopteris and charred Poaceae cuticles and fungal elements are candidate allergens in the study area. April, July and October are allergy “safe” months due to lowest aerofloral records.
Description
Keywords
Aeropalynology, Ota, palynomorphs, diatoms, bisaccate pollen, meteorological parameters, wet and dry months, aeropalynological seasons
Citation
Adeonipekun, A. P., Agbalaya, A. E. and Adeniyi, T. Aeropalynology of Ayetoro-Itele, Ota Southwest Nigeria: A preliminary study. In: Human Palaeoecology in Africa: Essays in Honour of M. Adebisi Sowunmi. Palynological Association of Nigeria (PAN) and University of Ibadan press. pp 131 - 155.