Pollen diversity in the atmosphere of Havana, Cuba

Abstract

With a view to obtaining fuller information on airborne pollen content in the city of Havana, pollen sampling was carried out using a volumetric capture method, for the first time in Cuba. The study was conducted during 2 years (2011 and 2015). An annual pollen integral of 3414 grains was registered during the first year of study, whereas 5120 grains were observed along the 2015. Monthly maximum concentrations were recorded during April, June and July with total values close to 800 pollen grains. Of the 45 pollen types identified, Cecropia (38% of the total pollen identified in both years), Poaceae (18%), Urera type (9%) and Casuarina (6%) were particularly abundant. Although the main pollen types differed in terms of intradiurnal distribution, the highest concentrations were in all cases recorded between 0900 and 1300 hours. Maximum temperature was the variable most influencing airborne pollen counts in the air, with the exception of Casuarina. This paper sought to establish a methodological basis for the further development of aerobiological research in Cuba, thus helping to enhance the prevention and diagnosis of pollen allergies in the affected island population.