Burkard Trap Research Articles

Airborne Pollen Calendar of Toluca City, Mexico

Allergic diseases are a global health problem; their prevalence has increased in recent decades. The presence of allergenic airborne pollen is one of the main triggers of this disorder. For this reason, the first pollen calendar of Toluca City was developed. Daily and bihourly airborne pollen samplings with a Hirst-type Burkard Trap were performed from August 2009 to December 2013. Annual Pollen Integral (APIn), Main Pollen Season (MPS) and Diurnal Pattern (DP) were determined. Relationships with meteorological parameters were investigated. Tree pollen grain presented higher concentrations, with Cupressaceae as the most abundant taxon (52.6%), followed by Alnus sp. (13.3%), Pinaceae (7.3%), Fraxinus sp. (6.0%) and Quercus sp. (2.0%), which presented a definite seasonality. Urticaceae (3.7%) was the most abundant herbaceous pollen taxon registered. The DP obtained showed that pollen grains of most taxa are frequently found after midday and afternoon. Regression models showed the influence of environmental variables on all taxa. This study will allow us the enhancement of preventive actions and improvement of the regional design of patient tests.

Features of the seasonal dynamics of airborne fungal spore concentrations in Ukraine

Fungi represent a distinct kingdom of ubiquitous living beings. Most other organisms are constantly in contact with elements of the fungal body. In particular, the widespread vegetation of fungi in the environment, their sporulation and the further spread of spores and mycelia by air currents make the contact of fungal particles with human respiratory organs inevitable. This can lead to the development of sensitization and allergies. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was to determine the taxonomy of airborne fungal spores, the qualitative and quantitative changes in this composition at different times of the year compared with previous sporulation seasons, as well as the prevention of allergic diseases. The study of fungal sporulation was carried out from 2011 to 2021 by volumetric method using Burkard trap of a Hirst type in a 24-hour mode (from February to November). The device was installed on the roof of the chemical building of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya. Reading of the microscopic slides obtained from air samples was carried out using light microscopes with a magnification of 400 and 1000 by the method of 12 vertical transects. It was found that spores of various taxonomic groups of fungi, namely, of Asco- and Basidiomycetes were observed throughout the growing season from March to October with the highest concentrations in mid and late summer. Thus, in June, July and August, peak concentrations of spores of the fungi Ganoderma, Coprinus, Cladosporium were observed; in July, September and October – of Ustilaginales; from July to November – of Alternaria, Epicoccum; in October – of different Basidiospores, and also Periconia, Stemphylium and Uredinales; in September – of Agrocybe. Among all studied micromycetes, concentrations of Cladosporium spores were the highest. However, significant sporulation persisted even in the autumn period, which made fungal spores a specific causative agent of airborne respiratory diseases at this time, especially against the background of low pollen concentrations. Climate change can lead to modification in the length of the fungal growing season. This information should be taken into account when predicting the symptoms of seasonal allergies in the population.

An exploratory analysis of seasonal and intraseasonal variations of the main airborne pollen types in Sunchales city, Argentina

Background and aims: The study of the seasonal and intra-seasonal variability of the airborne pollen concentration is of paramount importance to understand the relationships with the emitting vegetation and the atmospheric parameters that modulate pollen transport. This research aims to study these variabilities in Sunchales, a city located in the center-east of Argentina. M&M: Atmospheric monitoring was carried out with a Burkard trap during two seasons in 2012 and 2013 on the outskirts of the city. Results & Conclusions: The pollination periods of the studied pollen types show a delay in 2013 compared to the previous year, presumably related to a greater amount of cumulative heat units in 2012. However, the integral pollen for the period 2013 was 1.4 times higher than 2012, a fact that is not explained by accumulated precipitation but by the time of day when the hydrometeors occur. Binned pollen concentrations show that the highest concentrations coincide with the urban location of the tree sources while the herbaceous ones show an association with a rural origin. Regarding the intra-seasonal variability, the highest proportion of the airborne pollen variance accumulates on the synoptic-scale (80 - 60%) with periods between 3 and 10 days. During 2012 long waves predominated (> 5.5 days) while in 2013 medium waves prevailed (3.9 - 5.5 days).

Features of the fungal spectrum in the air environment in the Rostov region according to the results aeropalynologic monitoring 2019

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, there has been an epidemic growth of allergic diseases, in which fungi along with other allergens significantly play a role in their etiology. Spores of a number of micromycetes are present in the air. Aeropalynology environmental monitoring enables examination of the composition of airborne microorganisms, their dynamics, and role in the formation of allergic diseases. The Rostov region has climatic and geographical features that affect the qualitative and quantitative compositions of the fungal spectrum in the air environment. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the composition and features of the fungal spectrum of the air environment in Rostov-on-Don, to assess the dynamics of the concentration of fungal spores during the monitoring period (March to October), and to make a calendar of plant pollination and fungal spore production for this region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal, observational, single-center study, aeroallergens were detected using a volumetric Burkard trap. Identification of plant pollen and fungal spores was performed by microscopy of colored slides obtained from a sticky tape covered with a special mixture. RESULTS: Results of aeropalynological monitoring in 2019 in the air environment of Rostov-on-Don revealed the presence of pollen taxa and fungal spores, represented by the mold fungi Cladosporium herbarum and Alternaria alternata in high increasing concentrations. Their dynamics were recorded throughout the observation period (March to October). The specific weight of fungal sensitization in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis was 11.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies the regional features of the fungal spectrum of air allergens, and a calendar of dusting and sporulation was compiled for the city of Rostov-on-Don.

Effects of meteorological factors on pollen flora in the atmosphere of Sinop (Turkey)

This study was conducted for determining the plant taxa of the pollen grain in the atmosphere of the city center of Sinop (Turkey) and investigating the effects of meteorological factors on pollen concentration, by analyzing daily, weekly and monthly changes in the atmosphere. The types and amounts of pollen grain in the atmosphere were determined using Burkard trap. On the basis of the average of 2 years (2016 - 2017), the dominant trees taxa in the atmosphere were Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (32.67%), Pinaceae (15.51%), Morus sp. (5.50%), Quercus sp. (2.76%), Alnus sp. (2.24%), Corylus sp. (1.48%), Carpinus sp. (1.43%), Juglans sp. (1.43%), Fraxinus sp. (1.33%), Olea europaea (1.05%) and Poaceae (Grass) (5.29%), whereas the dominant weed taxa were Urticaceae (11.16%), Ambrosia sp. (4.31%), Amaranthaceae (3.21%), and Mercurialis sp. (2.05%). Temperature and wind speed had a positive effect on the increased amount of pollen, whereas precipitation had a negative effect on it. On the basis of the data obtained, a pollen calendar was prepared for the area.

Aeropalynologic monitoring of air pollution in the Rostov region: the results of the 2019 season

BACKGROUND: There is an increase in the proportion of patients suffering from allergic diseases caused by the plant pollen. Aeropalinologic monitoring of the air environment allows us to study the composition of aeroallergens and their role in the formation of pollen allergies. Features of the formation of aerial pollen spectra are closely related to the botanical-geographical and natural-climatic conditions of the region. The Rostov region has its own specific features, which is reflected in the qualitative and quantitative composition of pollen rain.
 AIM: To study the dynamics of pollination of allergenic plants in Rostov-on-Don, identify the prevailing taxa and create a calendar of pollination of plants for this region.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aeroallergens were detected by using a volumetric Burkard trap. The identification of plant pollen and fungal spores was performed by microscopy of colored slides obtained from a sticky tape covered with a special mixture.
 RESULTS: In 2019, 21 taxa were registered in the air environment of Rostov-on-don (trees, meadows, haze, cereals, weeds), fungal spores were found in the air, represented by the mold fungi Cladosporium herbarum and Alternaria alternata in high growing concentrations. An increase in the vegetation period of pollination of trees (07.03.31.06), mares (02.0503.10), cereals (02.0414.09), weeds (18.0728.10) was detected According to the dynamics of pollen concentration, three periods of its growth were registered: spring-summer, summer and summer-autumn. The presence of birch pollen grains in a clinically significant concentration (36 pollen grain (PG)/m3) in this steppe region, an increase in the peak concentration of ragweed (393 PG/m3) in comparison with the same data for 1971 (265 PG/m3) was found.
 CONCLUSION: Regional features of the spectrum of air allergens were identified, and a dusting calendar was compiled for Rostov-on-Don.

A new method to quantify atmospheric Poaceae pollen DNA based on the trnT-F cpDNA region

Abstract Background Pollen, mold spores, bacteria and viruses are the main biological substances in the atmosphere causing allergic symptoms and disease. Distinguishing pollen and spores is quite time consuming and requires a trained expert. There is a different approach to identification of these substances such as microscopic analysis. However, DNA based identification of these is becoming popular recently. Objective We evaluated the correlation between the quantity of DNA, which was amplified using trnT-F cpDNA specific primers in samples obtained from a high volume air sampler (HVAS), and concentration of Poaceae pollen collected with a Burkard trap. Materials and methods Here, we present a method for identifying and quantifying airborne Poaceae pollen using a single step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Forty daily air samples were collected by HVAS. The method was optimised using two different methods (M1 and M2) and the trnT-F cpDNA region was amplified using a Poaceae specific primer pair. The correlation between the quantity of DNA and pollen concentration was tested using R statistical programming language. Results Although a significant correlation was obtained between the M1 and M2 methods (R2=0.655, p<0.01), the M2 method was more correlated with pollen concentration. The correlation between pollen and DNA content changed due to episodes that were observed during the pollen season. DNA concentrations from the PCR data were significantly correlated with pollen concentrations determined by light microscopy (R2=0.767, p<0.01) in episode II using the M2 method and during the entire season (R2=0.469, p<0.01) using M2. Conclusions The M2 method correctly identified Poaceae pollen in mixed air samples from Zonguldak Province. The non-coding trnT-F cpDNA region was used for the first time in aerobiological samples to identify Poaceae pollen. Use of this method that does not require DNA extraction may be a crucial step for real-time pollen monitoring devices to be developed in the future. The correlation strength between pollen and amplified DNA content could be improved using a sampler that has a lower absorption rate, and a more sensitive technique, such as qPCR.

Allergen immunotherapy is safe during pollen season. Results of a 10-year, real-life prospective study

Abstract Objective Although systemic reactions (SRs) due to allergen immunotherapy (AIT) are rare, preventing them is a major concern for allergologists. Natural exposure during pollen season is a controversial risk factor, so some centers reduce AIT's maintenance dose in-season. The aim of this study was to examine whether administering the maintenance dose of subcutaneous AIT (SCIT) during pollen season, without adjustment, is safe. Patients and methods Initially, a retrospective pilot study was conducted, that included thirty-four monosensitized patients treated with perennial SCIT without in-season dose adjustment during maintenance. Pollen counts were monitored with a Burkard trap, to validate the pollen season. Two SRs were registered; one during and the other out of season, showing no seasonal effect on SCIT's safety. A ten-year-long, prospective study using the same SCIT protocol, followed the pilot one. Seventy-eight monosensitized patients, allergic to Grasses or Parietaria or Olive pollen, completed this study, while 28 monosensitized mite-allergic patients served as a control group. Only standardized depot solutions were used. Results A total of 2910 pollen-extracts maintenance-dose injections were administered. Four SRs (Grade 1 or 2, WAO Classification) were registered; 2/1210 during pollen season and 2/1700 off-season. One (Grade 4) reaction, out of 880 mite extract injections, was registered. The presence of SRs did not correlate with any AIT brand. Conclusion In our study population pollen season does not seem to be a risk factor for SRs for monosensitized allergic patients. SRs due to pollen AIT presented with a similar frequency as with mite AIT.

Аеропалінологічний спектр м. Дніпропетровськ як основа профілактики сезонної алергії

Hay fever is important allergenic complain with number of patients rising year by year. Ukraine holds the leading positions in Europe in accordance with pollinosis morbidity. Therefore, it’s important to determine regional pollen spectrum for all five climatic and geographical zones of the country having certain variety of plants’ allergens. There are just a few cities with a constant pollen monitoring carried out in Ukraine. They are Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv. Palynological range of other Ukrainian cities remains unknown or poorly studied. Dnipropetrovsk – Ukrainian city with location in the Central part of the country in the Steppe zone – isn’t exception as well. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine the pattern of airborne pollen distribution and pollen calendar creation for the city of Dnipropetrovsk. Pollen count obtained at Vinnytsia National Pirogov Memorial Medical University (VNMU) by Aerobiology Research Group. Study was held in 2010 from the 17th of March till the 20th of October on daily basis employed volumetric methods using the Burkard trap. It stands on the roof of the Dnipropetrovsk Municipal hospital at 20 meters of a relative height above ground. The air samples were sent by currier mail on weekly basis from Dnipropetrovsk to Vinnytsia for the research term. 51 pollen types were determined during the study period. The aeropalinological research was done for the Dnipropetrovsk at first. Study was conducted in association with the European Aeroallergen Network (EAN). The EAN tools and the software package “Statistica 5.5” were used for data statistical analysis. The study showed prevalence of the airborne herbal pollen types in Dnipropetrovsk. The “weeds : trees” pollen ratio was «88 : 12». Most abundant pollen rain (59% of total annual pollen count) was produced by Ambrosia. The second position with 6% was held by Amaranthus / Chenopodiaceae pollen group and Urtica dioica pollen. Artemisia and other representatives of Asteraceae constituted of 5% each. The most abundant tree pollen rain (4% from total annual count) was produced by the Populus species. Betula pollen was the next having up 2% of annual pollen rain in Dnipropetrovsk. As can be seen, the first arboreal spring-summer pollination wave was not massive in Dnipropetrovsk. It was represented by Populus, Betula, Acer, Fraxinus, Quercus, Ulmus, Pinus, Juglans pollen spread in the end of March, whole April and the first weeks of May mostly. However, the second wave was intensively seen from the mid of July till the mid of October. Important airborne pollen producing taxa were Artemisisia, Ambrosia, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Urtica, Plantago, Polygonaceae pollen at that time. Important airborne pollen allergens of Poaceae family (grasses) held the 7th position in the total annual pollen rain and were recorded between two pollination waves from the mid of May till the end of June mostly. The worst period for the patients was associated with the Betula, Acer and Quercus pollination from 13th of April till the mid of May and with Ambrosia and Artemisia pollination from 28th of July, till September, 30. The present airborne pollen calendar should be considered while diagnosing the hay fever symptoms in sensitive patients. It’s important to continue the pollen count and control in Dnіpropetrovsk due to constant changing of climatic and anthropogenic conditions impacting the pollen production and release.

Influence of biogenic pollen on optical properties of atmospheric aerosols observed by lidar over Gwangju, South Korea

For the first time, optical properties of biogenic pollen, i.e., backscatter coefficients and depolarization ratios at 532 nm were retrieved by lidar observations. The extinction coefficient was derived with the assumption of possible values of the extinction-to-backscatter (lidar) ratio. We investigate the effect of the pollen on the optical properties of the observed atmospheric aerosols by comparing lidar and sun/sky radiometer measurements carried out at the lidar site. The observations were made with a depolarization lidar at the Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) in Gwangju, Korea (35.13°N, 126.50°E) during an intensive observational period that lasted from 5 to 7 May 2009. The pollen concentration was measured with a Burkard trap sampler at the roof top of the Gwangju Bohoon hospital which is located 1 km away from the lidar site. During the observation period, high pollen concentrations of 1360, 2696, and 1952 m−3 day−1 were measured on 5, 6, and 7 May, respectively. A high lidar depolarization ratio caused by biogenic pollen was only detected during daytime within the planetary boundary layer which was at 1.5–2.0 km height above ground during the observational period. The contribution of biogenic pollen to the total backscatter coefficient was estimated from the particle depolarization ratio. Average hourly values of pollen optical depth were retrieved by integrating the pollen extinction coefficients. We find average values of 0.062 ± 0.037, 0.041 ± 0.028 and 0.067 ± 0.036 at 532 nm on 5, 6, and 7 May, respectively. The contribution of pollen optical depth to total aerosol optical depth was 2–34%. The sun/sky radiometer data show that biogenic pollen can affect optical properties of atmospheric aerosol by increasing aerosol optical depth and decreasing the Ångström exponent during daytime during the season of high pollen emission.

Ragweed pollen observed in Turkey: Detection of sources using back trajectory models

This paper discusses the pollen season and the source apportionment of ragweed (Ambrosia) grains detected in the atmosphere of Istanbul, Turkey. The dynamic migration of this invasive taxon is a serious environmental issue. Ragweed pollen is highly allergenic and causes sensitization in patients at low concentrations. At present, there is no floristic evidence of this taxon in the region. Aerobiological records presented here, though, indicate a local source. Moreover, we argue that ragweed pollen comes from distant sources through air mass movements. The analysis concerns the ragweed season 2007. Pollens were sampled with a Burkard trap and identified at a magnification of 400×. Grains were counted on 12 transverse traverses to estimate bi-hourly changes in concentrations. The peak day was on August 28 with 20grainsm−3. Ragweed was observed on 22days during August and September 2007. On all days, except one, the daily average concentration was below 10grainsm−3. Diurnal bi-hourly ragweed concentrations reached a maximum at 11:00 EET. Relatively high concentrations were observed between 21:00 and 01:00 EET. This allowed for the assumption of a local and a remote ragweed pollen source. We used HYSPLIT backward trajectory ensembles to identify possible sources on peak day. A frequency analysis of back trajectories covering the entire ragweed season followed. Firstly, possible local sources were the Istanbul Province and Turkish Thrace; secondly, a likely over-regional source was Bulgaria; and lastly, remote sources of ragweed pollen were the Ukraine, the Russian coastal region of the Black Sea and Moldova. This study provides evidence that pollens detected on our receptor site stem from combined local and remote origins.

라이다를 이용한 지역 대기중 꽃가루의 광학적 두께 산출

Air-borne pollen, biogenically created aerosol particle, influences Earth's radiative balance, visibility impairment, and human health. The importance of pollens has resulted in numerous experimental studies aimed at characterizing their dispersion and transport, as well as health effects. There is, however, limited scientific information concerning the optical properties of airborne pollen particles contributing to total ambient aerosols. In this study, for the first time, optical characteristics of pollen such as aerosol backscattering coefficient, aerosol extinction coefficient, and depolarization ratio at 532 nm and their effect to the atmospheric aerosol were studied by lidar remotes sensing technique. Dual-Lidar observations were carried out at the Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) located in Gwagnju, Korea (35.15Š E, 126.53Š N) for a spring pollen event from 5 to 7 May 2009. The pollen concentration was measured at the rooftop of Gwangju Bohoon hospital where the building is located 1.0 km apart from lidar site by using Burkard trap sampler. During intensive observation period, high pollen concentration was detected as 1360, 2696, and 1952 m _ 3 in 5, 6, and 7 May, and increased lidar return signal below 1.5km altitude. Pollen optical depth retrieved from depolarization ratio was 0.036, 0.021, and 0.019 in 5, 6, and 7 May, respectively. Pollen particles mainly detected in daytime resulting increased aerosol optical depth and decrease of Angstrom exponent.

지상 라이다를 이용한 대기중 꽃가루 분포 실시간 모니터링

대기중의 꽃가루를 원격 탐사 기술을 이용하여 실시간 연속적으로 수행한 연구는 현재까지 전무하다. 본 연구는 지상 라이다 원격 탐사 기술을 이용하여 꽃가루 대기 분포의 일변화를 실시간 연속적으로 모니터링 하였다. 지상 라이다를 이용한 관측은 5월 4일부터 6월 2일까지 광주과학기술원에서 지속적으로 수행되었다. 라이다 데이터의 소산계수 분석을 통하여 대기 에어러솔의 분포를 확인하고 편광소멸도를 이용하여 입자의 비구형성을 확인하였다. 관측 기간 중 5월 4일부터 9일까지 일출 이후 09시경부터 편광소멸도 값이 0.08에서 0.14로 높은 값이 지표면 가까이부터 관측되기 시작하여 정오경에 1.5 - 2.0 km까지 고도가 증가하다 이후 감소하기 시작하여 일출시간(18시 이후)에 사라지는 현상이 관측되었다. 이 때 일별 꽃가루 농도는 <TEX>$1,000m^{-3}$</TEX> 이상의 높은 농도를 보여 편광소멸도의 증가가 꽃가루로부터 유발된 것임을 알 수 있었다. 라이다 편광소멸도 관측과 기상 자료와의 비교분석을 통하여 수목류가 방출한 꽃가루는 지표면 기온이 상승하고 대기 중 상대습도가 낮아지는 낮 시간 동안 대기경계층 고도까지 상승하지만 시간이 지남에 따라 기온의 하강과 상대습도의 증가, 그리고 풍속이 감소하면서 꽃가루의 관측 고도는 낮아져 늦은 오후 시간대부터는 꽃가루가 대기 중에서 사라지는 일정한 일변화 형태를 보임을 파악할 수 있었다. The diurnal variation in pollen vertical distributions in the atmosphere was observed by a surface-based lidar remote sensing technique. Aerosol extinction coefficient and depolarization ratio at 532 nm were obtained from lidar measurements in spring (<TEX>$4^{th}$</TEX> May - <TEX>$2^{nd}$</TEX> June) 2009 at Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) located in Gwangju, Korea (<TEX>$35.15^{\circ}E$</TEX>, <TEX>$126.53^{\circ}N$</TEX>). Unusual variations of depolarization ratio were observed for six days from <TEX>$4^{th}$</TEX> to <TEX>$9^{th}$</TEX> May. Depolarization ratios varied from 0.08 to 0.14 were detected at the low altitude in the morning. The altitude with those high depolarization ratios was increased up to 1.5 - 2.0 km at the time interval between 12:00 and 14:00 LT and then decreased. The temporal variations in high values of depolarization ratios from lidar measurements show good agreement in patterns with the sampled pollen concentrations measured using the Burkard trap sampler. This study demonstrates that the pollen distribution data obtained by lidar measurements can be a useful tool for investigating spatial and temporal characteristic of pollen particles.

Mugwort (Artemisia L.), nettle (Urtica L.) and plantain (Plantago L.) pollen in the atmosphere of Wrocław in the years 2002-2004

The paper includes the results of pollen season analysis of the selected plants (mugwort, nettle, plantain) regarded as the most allergenic in Wrocław in 2002-2004. The studies were carried out using volumetric method (Burkard trap). The results show strong variation in pollen seasons. The average duration of the pollen season of &lt;i&gt;Artemisia&lt;/i&gt; was 82 days. The highest pollen concentration of mugwort was recorded in 2004 (156 grains × m&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt;). The start of nettle pollen seasons varied in studied period on average by 24 days, on average, but its end was almost the same. The pollen season of &lt;i&gt;Urtica&lt;/i&gt; was the earliest in 2004. It started on 5&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; May and lasted 136 days. The annual pollen total of &lt;i&gt;Plantago&lt;/i&gt; was relatively low, on average 0.2-0.4% in annual pollen totals.

Pollen concentrations of some plants in the air over Olszanica (Bieszczady Niskie Mountains) and Wrocław in the 2008 season

This paper presents the results of an analysis of pollen season patterns for taxa which show the strongest allergenic activity (alder, birch, grasses, and mugwort) in 2008 in the air over Wrocław and Olszanica. The study was carried out using the volumetric method (Burkard trap). The results show variation in pollen seasons between the analyzed localities. An attempt was made to find out in which of the sites in question - the urban site or the rural one - there was a greater risk of allergens of the selected plants. The results of the present study show that the alder, birch and grass pollen seasons in 2008 started and ended earlier in Wrocław, and maximum pollen concentrations were definitely lower. But the mugwort pollen season started earlier and ended much later in Olszanica, while maximum pollen concentration of this taxon was more than twice lower than in Wrocław. In 2008 in the investigated localities, the highest pollen concentrations of the plants in question occurred in the following months: alder in February, birch in April, grasses in June, while mugwort in August. In 2008 alder and birch pollen allergen risk was comparable in the investigated urban and rural environment. However, grass and mugwort pollen allergens posed a significantly greater threat in the rural environment than in Wrocław.

Analysis of the grass (Poaceae L.) pollen seasons in Wrocław, 2003-2010

The aim of the study was to analyse the grass pollen season dynamics in Wrocław in 2003-2010. The studies were carried out using volumetric method (Burkard trap). Special attentions was paid to differences in pollen season duration and patterns. The pollen season started on average on the 130th day of the year (±10 days) and ended on the 240&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; (±11 days). Peak of pollen seasons occurred between 156&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; and 185&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day of the year. The mean of SPI value was 2805 (±380). On average, 18 days (±4 days) with a grass pollen concentration of more than 50 grains × m&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt;, and 2 days (±1 day) with concentration of more than 120 grains × m&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt; were recorded during the seasons analysed. Three types of pollen seasons were distinguished on the basis of cluster analysis (the non-hierarchical method of multifeature clustering - the k-means method).

The importance of the stationary and individual pollen monitoring for the diagnostic of pollen allergy

The aim of the study was to evaluate pollen seasons of selected taxa with particular reference to allergic taxa such as birch (&lt;i&gt;Betula&lt;/i&gt; sp.), grasses (Poaceae), mugwort (&lt;i&gt;Artemisia&lt;/i&gt; sp.) in Cracow in 2003 and 2004 (project number 3 PO5D 034 24 funded by the State Committee for Scientific Research). Pollen concentrations obtained using the stationary Burkard trap and personal Partrap FA 52 were compared. The volumetric method was used in the study. Average daily concentrations (pollen grains × m&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt;) were obtained by counting pollen grains every hour along 4 longitudinal transects and applying an appropriate conversion factor. Duration of the pollen season was determined using the 95% method. Variations in annual totals of pollen grains (birch and mugwort), in start dates (especially for grasses) and in the season duration (birch and grasses) were found. The comparison of pollen concentrations obtained using the stationary and personal traps at the same place showed non statistically significant correlation for all the studied taxa and statistically significant correlations for birch, mugwort and grasses (Spearman rank correlation). However, the statistically significant differences between the concentrations obtained using Burkard and Partrap carried by patients (Wilcoxon's test) were noted. Very low concentrations of pollen grains measured indoor (work, flats) and the influence of the local plants growing in separate place (courtyard of the Allergology Department) on the pollen concentration were found.

Airborne pollen in the Nam Co Basin and its implication for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction

While pollen is used as a palaeoenvironmental proxy, as of now there are no continuous in situ airborne pollen observations in the Tibetan Plateau. Here we present the first data of airborne pollen collected from September 2005 to August 2006 using a Burkard trap in the Nam Co Basin in central Tibet. The airborne pollen assemblage is dominated by local herbaceous Cyperaceae and Artemisia pollen, and Sabina pollen is the major arboreal taxon. Betulaceae, particularly Alnus, and Pinaceae were the dominant wind-transported pollen over long distances. Seasonal variations in the differences in amounts and taxa over time are evident. There are three clear pollen concentration peaks, in spring, summer, and early autumn, dominated by Sabina, Cyperaceae, and Artemisia, respectively. Consequently the record of pollen deposition is consistent with respective flowering periods, which are mainly a function of climate factors, especially air temperature. Backward air mass trajectory analysis suggests that non-native Alnus pollen may originate in southwestern Tibet or nearby areas. Airborne pollen data will contribute to the knowledge of modern pollen distribution and its relationship to vegetation and climate, and are useful for interpreting fossil pollen records and understanding vegetation response to climate change in the Tibetan Plateau.

Comparative study of different methods for capturing airborne pollen, and effects of vegetation and meteorological variables

The atmosphere of Mar del Plata city (Argentina) was monitored using three different pollen traps—Burkard, Rotorod, and Tauber—during a flowering season (mid-winter to springtime) in order to compare the diversity and amounts of pollen grains collected in each trap. Sixty three percent of taxa diversity was simultaneously recorded by all three apparatuses. The five most abundant types of pollen in the three traps were Platanus, Ulmus, Quercus, Poaceae, and Fraxinus. The Tauber trap contained the most pollen from taxa with the largest grains, and exclusively trapped ten pollen types with entomophilous characteristics. The amount of pollen in each trap and local/extra-local plant abundance were compared to elucidate the effect of the method used on the pollen–vegetation relationship. The correlation coefficients for total pollen were positive and significant between all pairs of traps. The maximum peak was observed first in the Burkard trap, in agreement with an increase in temperature, but the general pattern in the three traps was similar, with a maximum in early spring. Opposite deviations from the mean value were observed for the Burkard and Tauber data; these deviations were associated negatively with wind speed and relative humidity, respectively. This paper discusses whether in some cases the pollen records could be used in an equivalent manner, although with some limitations.

Airborne allergenic fungal spores and meteorological factors in Greece: Forecasting possibilities

Specific airborne fungal spore types trigger respiratory allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Aiming to reduce the risk for allergic patients, we constructed predictive models for the fungal spore circulation in Thessaloniki, Greece. Monthly and daily autoregressive forecasting models were developed (Dynamic Regression) for the airborne spore concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium, the most abundant fungal taxa in the area. The forecast horizons were respectively 12 months and one week. The accuracy of each predictive model was tested by means of six statistical criteria. Special attention was paid to the lag effect of all factors, both meteorological and fungal spore records. Aerobiological sampling was conducted over 1996–2002, using a Burkard trap. Records of 18 meteorological parameters were used for the same period. Residual analyses tested the adequacy of the models. Monthly forecasting models were highly significant, with adjusted R2 = 0.68 for Alternaria, and 0.81 for Cladosporium. The respective values of adjusted R2 for the daily models were 0.62 and 0.70. Cladosporium spore counts were consistently influenced by solar radiation, whereas Alternaria was influenced by air temperature (mean and minimum). For monthly forecasts, records of the preceding month, and the 12 month spore record was significant for Alternaria, whereas for Cladosporium, the lags were 12 and 24 months. With the daily models, the respective required periods were mainly the preceding one to two weeks and the last two years for both fungal taxa, in addition to a one‐year lag in the case of Cladosporium. Daily models could be further improved by co‐estimating interdiurnal variability and fungal spore sources.