This is a Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER) proposal.

Large fires in Southeast Asia have sent plumes of smoke over the Pacific Ocean and across the United States. This proposal is designed to provide extremely limited travel funds for a rapid reaction study of this smoke. Of special interest is whether or not viable fungal spores are found within the smoke.

The discovery of viable fungal spores and bacteria in smoke from distant biomass fires was made only recently. Smoke from widespread biomass burning in Yucatan reached South Texas during May 2002 and 2003, and contained significant numbers of spores and bacteria. Smoke from Central Asian fires sampled on 6 July 2003 at Mauna Loa Observatory also contained viable fungal spores. Southeastern Asia smoke events like those of March 2004 provide an important opportunity to determine if fungal spores are present in smoke that has crossed the entire Pacific ocean.

Smoke from prescribed fires, agricultural burns and wild fires has become a significant environmental problem in many regions. Population growth and dispersal suggest that the number of such fires may increase in coming years. Thus, a study of smoke events will provide important information about whether there is transoceanic transport of fungal spores in smoke.

Should fungal spores be found in the smoke proposed to be sampled, it is likely that other investigators will consider sampling biomass smoke in various regions. It is also likely that formal papers and popular publications resulting from this work will permit the public, forest fire fighters and land managers to become aware of the presence of spores in smoke.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Directorate for Geosciences (GEO)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0432522
Program Officer
Jill L. Karsten
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2004-09-15
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$2,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Geronimo Creek Observatory
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Seguin
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78155