AirBiD – The biological diversity of air shaped by urban green elements

The air we breathe contains large amounts of biological particles (bioaerosols) such as bacteria, fungi, and pollen (the aerobiome), which can affect our health and well-being in many ways. Urban green elements, such as urban woodlands, parks, gardens, etc., play a fundamental role in shaping this invisible world. The aim of the AirBiD project (airbidproject.eu) is to find connections between green spaces, air biodiversity, and human well-being. The project includes building spatial biodiversity maps of five European cities, by collecting samples of airborne biological particulate matter in the green spaces of Trento (IT), Vienna (AU), Evora (ES), Copenhagen (DK) and Gothenburg (SW), over a year. Sampling design involved the classification of green areas into 9 categories with the installation of 25 sampling points per city, according to a grid covering the entire urban area. Ground-based and satellite-based information on the quantity and diversity of vegetation in green areas of cities was also collected. Studies in controlled indoor settings will evaluate the transition of plant microbes to indoor air. Health data is collected in all cities, within a focus group and the occupants of the controlled indoor setting. Local communities are involved in biodiversity outreach initiatives through workshops and events, and in data collection through citizen science approaches. Aerobiological samples will be analyzed using advanced DNA methods and conventional light microscopy analysis to characterize the aerobiome. Biodiversity data will be mapped and modeled according to the FAIR principles, showing how green spaces influence air quality, biodiversity, well-being, and human health. Findings will facilitate informed decision-making processes by policymakers, stakeholders, and communities in the planning and management of urban greenery. The state of advancement of the project will be presented.