Researchers from Texas A&M University have demonstrated that dust storms originating in remote regions can transport a diverse array of allergens across vast distances, sometimes reaching other continents. The findings were published in Environmental Science & Technology (EST).
Analysis of collected samples showed that microbes carried by Saharan dust can traverse the Atlantic via wind currents and appear in North America. The study highlights how airborne particles from arid environments contribute to the microbial makeup of distant air masses.
Scientists examined DNA from a community of microorganisms captured with filtration methods. Genome sequencing identified bacteria spanning 117 families and fungi representing 164 families. Among these, several pathogens were found that appear on the World Health Organization’s list of globally relevant infectious agents.
The research also revealed links between microbial diversity and mineral components present in dust, notably calcium and zirconium. These minerals may influence how microbes survive, disperse, and become part of downstream air currents that affect multiple regions.
Looking ahead, the researchers note that dust storms are expected to become more frequent as climate patterns shift. This suggests that populations across different countries could experience increased exposure to windborne microorganisms, including potential pathogens, in the years ahead.
Earlier studies have shown that vegetation, including proventrees and shrubs, can remove a substantial portion of airborne pollutants, contributing to cleaner air in nearby regions. This underscores the interconnected nature of atmospheric processes, biodiversity, and public health in the context of a changing climate.
Attribution: Findings summarized from a study published in Environmental Science & Technology. Additional context comes from ongoing reviews of dust transport, microbial dispersal, and environmental health assessments reported by multiple scientific teams. These references help situate the results within the broader discussion of how distant dust events influence air quality and microbial exposure across continents.