TRANSATLANTIC SOIL DUST, A CASE HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND PUBLIC EDUCATION

Research on the physics and meteorology of transoceanic dust transport has been ongoing for more than 30 years. Dependence of the Amazon rain forest on nutrients from Africa has been known for about 20 years, yet the larger implications of this knowledge when combined with recent climate-related changes are only now being appreciated. Few scientists, and especially the public, are aware that dust crossing vast oceans transports bacteria, viruses, fungal spores, Hg, As, pesticides, Pb-210, Be-7, exotic insects, and mineral nutrients. Movement of dust across the Atlantic has been increasing since 1970 and may be increasingly impacting natural ecosystems. Recent research suggests that the decline of Caribbean coral reef ecosystems during the past 30 years is partially a result of pathogens and micronutrients imported by African dust. Another effect may be asthma. Asthma has increased 17-fold on many Caribbean islands during the 30-year period of increased dust flux. The dust contains bacteria and fungi and more than 100 viable microbes. About 25 percent are plant pathogens. African dust accumulating in Caribbean island water cisterns contain as much as 60 ppm arsenic. During summer months African dust enters the southeastern United States but during winter months the dust is transported primarily to South America. Significant amounts reach Europe, especially Mediterranean countries, during February. Could African dust transport foot-and-mouth virus? The O strain is affecting England and both A and O viral strains are endemic to North Africa. A, and O occurs throughout most of South America. Communicating such hypotheses to decision makers may lead to research for hypothesis testing. Other research findings, such as groundwater pollution and sewage disposal, are equally worthy of accurate communication to the public. Benefit of an informed public includes support for needed research. In today’s changing world, gaining public support, while maintaining respect of fellow scientists is a necessary but difficult task.