Monitoring of Ambrosia pollen concentration in the atmosphere of Bratislava (Slovakia) during years 2002–2007

Abstract

Ambrosia pollen represents a significant allergenic risk for pollen-sensitive people also in Slovakia. The aim of this study was to compare the results of the monitoring of Ambrosia pollen concentrations and pollen seasons in Bratislava during years 2002–2007. Measurements were performed by the volumetric method using Burkard volumetric spore trap at the height of 10 m above ground level. During six monitored years, a total of 11,334 Ambrosia pollen grains per cubic meter of air were recorded. The highest total ragweed pollen amount was detected in 2002 (2,577 pollen grains of the total annual pollen concentration) and the lowest ragweed pollen concentration (1,213 pollen grains) was determined in 2007. However, mentioned year was represented as the year with the longest pollen season among the all monitored years in Bratislava (41 days). The pollen season peak day of 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was recorded at the beginning of September; in 2003 and 2007 the peak was at the second half of August. The highest daily amount of Ambrosia pollen grains (more than 100 grains per cubic meter of air) was in 2002 (12 days). The results can be utilized to help to prevent symptoms of allergic reactions to Ambrosia pollen and improve quality of life during seasonal allergic diseases in ragweed pollen-sensitive people.