Annual pollen spectrum variations in the air of Bratislava (Slovakia): years 2002–2009

Abstract

Pollen grains in the atmosphere of Bratislava were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed during an 8-year period (2002-2009) using a Burkard volumetric pollen trap. The mean annual total pollen grain count recorded during this period was 36,608, belonging to 34 higher plant taxa (22 trees and/or shrubs and 12 herbaceous species). The maximum annual total pollen grain count (50,563) was recorded in 2003 and the minimum (14,172) in 2009. The taxa contributing the highest concentration of pollen grains were Betula, Urticaceae, Cupressaceae-Taxaceae, Populus, Pinus, Poaceae and Ambrosia. During the study period, there was a remarkable increase in the number of pollen grains from February to April, with the highest daily mean pollen counts recorded in April. Total pollen concentration began to decrease markedly in May, but there was a second increase between July and August, followed by a decrease in September. The timing and length of the pollen seasons varied. Betula and Poaceae showed a rather constant 2-year fluctuating rhythm. The relationships between airborne pollen concentration and meteorological variables were assessed. Based on these results, the first pollen calendar in Slovakia has been constructed for the area of Bratislava, which provides a great deal of useful and important information.