Bioaerosol Capture by Vehicle Air Filters and its Implications for Forensic Applications Along the Ado-Ikere-Iju-Itaogbolu-Akure Road, Southwestern Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1017-5497Keywords:
Forensic, Ado-Ikere-Iju-Akure Road, Palynomorphs, Car Air Filter, Vehicular Tracking, VegetationAbstract
Pollen grains and spores, are valuable indicators of vegetation composition and environmental conditions, and have important applications in forensic investigations. This study evaluated the potential of vehicle air filters as passive collectors of airborne biological particles and assessed their forensic significance along the Ado-Ikere-Iju-Itaogbolu-Akure Road in southwestern Nigeria. A vegetation survey and palynological analysis were conducted to compare the roadside floristic composition with the spectrum of airborne particles captured in vehicle air filters. The vegetation assessment recorded 858 individuals belonging to 54 species, 47 genera, and 29 families in the study area. Herbs constituted the largest proportion of individuals (388), followed by grasses (117), trees (132), shrubs (79), climbers (75), and a few creepers, ferns, and lianas. The dominant plant species included Chromolaena odorata, Tithonia diversifolia, and Panicum maximum. Palynological analysis revealed 49 pollen types belonging to 33 families, 80 fungal and fern spores, 17 insect remains, 9 zooplankton, and 6 diatom frustules in the samples. Dominant palynomorphs included Hagenia abyssinica, Chromolaena odorata, Cannabis sativa, Curvularia, Glomus, and Peronospora. Rainfall, relative humidity, and wind speed significantly influenced the distribution of airborne pollen and spores in the study area. A strong correspondence was observed between roadside vegetation and atmospheric pollen assemblages. Vehicle air filters effectively capture pollen and spores that reflect the surrounding vegetation and environmental conditions along the travel routes. These pollen markers can serve as valuable forensic tools for linking vehicles and other objects to specific geographical locations, thereby supporting criminal investigations and geographic source attribution.
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