Aerobiology of Grass Pollen in the City Atmosphere of Melbourne: Quantitative Analysis of Seasonal and Diurnal Changes

1979 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 317 ◽  
Author(s):  
IJ Smart ◽  
RB Knox

Quantitative data on the seasonal and diurnal incidence of grass pollen in the atmosphere of Melbourne have been obtained by using two Burkard spore traps sited 11 km apart. Grass pollen concentrations are compared with pollen of other plants and fungal spores over two pollen seasons, 1975-76 and 1976-77. At the height of the 1975-76 pollen season, grass pollen concentrations were greatest at night, while at the end of the same season the peak occurred in the late afternoon as has been reported for several European cities. The aerobiological patterns are compared with the time of pollen release in the field from plants of ryegrass (Lolium perenne).

2015 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Myszkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Piotrowicz ◽  
Monika Ziemianin ◽  
Kazimiera Chłopek ◽  
Katarzyna Dąbrowska-Zapart ◽  
...  

The paper refers to the estimation of Poaceae pollen seasons in Poland in selected areas. The aim of the study was to present the long-term variability of the start, end and duration of grass pollen seasons and the seasonal pollen index (SPI) in Poland against a background of the meteorological conditions over pollen seasons. The study was performed in eight Polish cities in 1992–2014 (the common seasons were 2003–2012). Pollen season start was relatively stable in the studied period, the seasons began about the 10th of May, a bit earlier in the south part of Poland. Pollen season ends were more changeable in comparison to the season start and fluctuated from the middle of July to the middle of September. SPI clearly depended on temperature and precipitation in April–August. Daily maximum pollen concentrations were achieved between the end of May and the first decade of July and no evident relationship between this day and weather conditions was found, apart from 2004.


2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Lipiec ◽  
Piotr Rapiejko ◽  
Konrad Furmańczyk ◽  
Dariusz Jurkiewicz

Introduction Allergic rhinitis concerns nearly 25% of the Polish population. Among pollen allergens, the most common reasons for allergic rhinitis are: grass, birch and mugwort. Knowledge of the characteristics of pollen seasons is necessary in diagnostics, monitoring of therapy and prevention of allergic rhinitis. Purpose This work aims to analyze the pollen seasons of the most commonly sensitizing plants in the Polish population; grass, birch and mugwort in the years 2003-2017 in Warsaw. Material and methods Measurements of pollen concentration were carried out using the Burkard volumetric apparatus operating in continuous volumetric mode. The analysis of pollen seasons was conducted based on the following characteristics: beginning, end, and length of season, annual sum of daily pollen concentrations, maximum daily concentration, number of days with maximum and threshold concentration. Linear regression together with the Pearson correlation coefficient were used in statistical analysis to study the relationship between variables; furthermore, descriptive characteristics of distributions studied were determined. Results The average date of the beginning of the birch pollen season in the analyzed period is April 10th, and it belongs to seasons of average length (47 days on average). Concentration above 75z/m3, when most allergic people expect allergic symptoms, was recorded for an average of 18 days. The highest daily concentration of birch pollen reaching 6321 grains/m3 (2006, 2012, 2016) exceeded the lowest value of the maximum concentration by almost 20 times (2015). Among the taxa analyzed, the highest values of daily concentration and annual sums were recorded for birch pollen. The average date for the beginning of grass pollination season is on May 13th. It is the longest pollen season (on average 134 days), and the period when concentration exceeded 50z/m3 covered an average of 26 days. The highest daily concentration of grass pollen reaching 496 grains/m3 (2005 and 2007) exceeded the lowest value of maximum concentration by 3.5 times (2016). The average date of the beginning of the brackish pollen season is July 16th. The season lasts 65 days on average, when concentration exceeding 30z/m3 was registered for an average of 12 days. The highest daily concentration of mugwort pollen reaching 154 grains/m3 (2007) exceeded the lowest value of maximum concentration by 4 times (2013). For all analyzed taxa, the strongest correlated variables are the annual sum of daily pollen concentrations (Seasonal Pollen Index) and daily maximum concentration (correlation for birch pollen = 0.92, for grass pollen = 0.88, and for mugwort pollen = 0.91) Conclusions Periods of pollen in the air show certain variation in the analyzed 15-year period. The maximum concentration in the pollen season for the analyzed taxa and the annual sum of daily concentrations of pollen show the highest variability, particularly strongly expressed in the case of birch pollen. There is a linear relationship between the annual sum of daily pollen concentrations and the maximum concentration value as well as the number of days with the threshold concentration for all analyzed taxa. Variability of parameters describing the dynamics of pollen seasons indicates the need to monitor, both by patients with hay fever and physicians, the current information about the concentration of pollen in the air during the pollen season.


2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-103
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Malkiewicz ◽  
Kamilla Klaczak

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.


Alergoprofil ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Puc ◽  
Piotr Rapiejko ◽  
Agnieszka Lipiec ◽  
Małgorzata Malkiewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Dąbrowska-Zapart ◽  
...  

  The Asteraceae family is one of the largest families, comprising 67 genera and 264 species in Poland. However, only a few genera, including Artemisia, are potential allergenic sources. The aim of the study was to compare the mugwort pollen seasons in Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Sosnowiec, Lublin, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Opole, Olsztyn, Szczecin, Warsaw and Wroclaw in 2019. The investigations were carried out using the volumetric method. Seasonal Pollen Index was estimated as the sum of daily average pollen concentrations in the given season. The mugwort pollen season is mainly observed in June, July and at the beginning of September. In 2019 the pollen season of mugwort started first in Opole, on the June 26th. At the latest, a pollen season ended in Bydgoszcz and Warsaw, at the end of September. The differences of pollen seasons duration were extremely considerable, from 35 to 83 days. The highest airborne concentration of 97 pollen grains/m3 was noted in Lublin on the July 31st. The maximum values of seasonal pollen count in Polish cities occurred between July 28th and August 12th, most often between in late July and early August. The highest mugwort pollen allergen hazard occurred in 2019 in Lublin, Warsaw, Opole and Wroclaw, and was 2–3 times higher than in other cities. The highest variability in the analysed seasons was found in start date, while the lowest in the peak value and SPI value. In the pollen season in 2019, 2 peaks of Artemisia pollen concentrations were observed as a result of the order of flowering of A. vulgaris and A. campestris. Information on the pollination of various Artemisia species will be used to avoid excessive exposure to allergens of these pollen grains.


Alergoprofil ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 17-22
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Puc ◽  
Daniel Kotrych ◽  
Agnieszka Lipiec ◽  
Kazimiera Chłopek ◽  
Dariusz Jurkiewicz ◽  
...  

Pollen grains are one of the most important groups of atmospheric biological particles that cause allergic processes. Meteorological factors affect the occurrence of pollen allergen release in the air. In order to shed light on this phenomenon this study compares the ash pollen seasons in Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Sosnowiec, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Opole, Olsztyn, Szczecin, Warsaw and Lublin in 2019. The investigations were carried out using the volumetric method (Hirst type pollen sampler). Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI) was estimated as the sum of daily average pollen concentrations in the given season. The ash pollination is mainly observed in April. Diagnosis of ash pollen allergy is made difficult due to an overlapping pollination period with Betulaceae and some cross-reactivity with allergens from Betulaceae. It is not clear whether ash pollen is a primary cause of sensitization or whether it is implicated through cross-sensitization to other pollens. In 2019 the pollen season of ash started first in Opole, on the March 9th. At the latest, a pollen season ended in Bialystok, after mid may. The differences of pollen seasons duration were very considerable, from 28 to 50 days. The highest airborne concentration of 190 pollen grains/m3 was noted in Lublin on the April 21st. The maximum values of seasonal pollen count in Polish cities occurred between April 4th and 22nd, most often between April 18th–22nd. The highest ash pollen allergen hazard occurred in 2019 in Lublin, Warsaw, Piotrkow Trybunalski and Bydgoszcz, and was at least three times higher than in other cities. The highest variability in the analysed seasons was found in the peak value and annual total.


2012 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Dąbrowska

Grass pollen allergens are a frequent cause of pollen allergy in Poland and other European countries. The research on aeroplankton conducted in Lublin since 2001 allows characterization of the course of grass pollen seasons and estimation of the effect of maximum and minimum temperatures, relative air humidity, precipitation and maximum wind velocity on the taxon's pollen concentration. The gravimetric method was used in the study. During the eight-year research period, the pollen season usually started in the first or second decade of May and, as a rule, it lasted till the end of August, and quite exceptionally, in 2002 and 2008 till mid-August. The mean length of the pollen season was 107 days. The highest grass pollen risk was observed in the 26<sup>th</sup> and 27<sup>th</sup> week. The highest annual counts reaching over 3600 pollen grains × cm<sup>-2</sup> were noted in 2008, while in the other study years they ranged from 741 to 1909. The date of the pollen season onset and its course were highly dependent on weather conditions, which was confirmed by the statistical analysis. The greatest significant influence on the pollen season was exerted by maximum temperature, relative air humidity and the maximum wind.


2002 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 49-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Javier Rodríguez-Rajo ◽  
M. Victoria Jato ◽  
M. Jesús Aira

RESUMEN. El polen de Poaceae en la atmósfera de Lugo y su relación con los parámetros meteorológicos (1999-2001). Se han estudiado las concentraciones de polen de Poaceae presente en la atmósfera de la ciudad de Lugo durante 3 años (1999-2001). Para ello se ha utilizado un captador volumétrico tipo Hirst, modelo Lanzoni VPPS-2000. El polen de Poaceae es el más abundante y su porcentaje frente al total de polen anual es de un 38-40%. La cantidad total de polen anual es de 8.400 granos como resultado de la media de los tres años de estudio, con un período de polinización durante los meses de Junio y Julio. A lo largo del día los máximos de concentración tienen lugar durante la tarde. Se ha realizado un análisis de correlación con los principales parámetros meteorológicos, siendo la temperatura máxima la variable que presentó el coeficiente más elevado. La suma acumulada de la temperatura máxima y la regresión múltiple integrando la temperatura máxima y las concentraciones de polen del día anterior como estimadores, resultaron métodos válidos y complementarios para realizar la predicción del inicio del periodo de polinización y de las concentraciones medias diarias que se alcanzan durante el periodo de polinización principal respectivamente.Palabras clave. Polen, Lugo, Meteorología, Predicción, lntradiario, Poaceae.ABSTRACT. The Poaceae pollen in the atmosphere of Lugo and its relationship with meteorological parameters ( 1999-2001). The pollen concentrations of Poaceae in the atmosphere of the city of Lugo has been studied during 3 years (1999-2001). A volumetric sampler type Hirst, model Lanzoni VPPS-2000 has been used. The Poaceae pollen is the most abundant and its percentage with respect to the total annual pollen ranged from 38-40 %. The annual total quantity of pollen of Poaceae were 8.400 grains as average of the three years studied, with a period of pollination during the months of June and July. The daily maximum concentrations take place during the evening. An analysis of correlation has been carried out between pollen concentrations and the main meteorological parameters, the maximum temperature being the variable that presented the highest coefficient value. The sum of maximum temperatures and the multiple regression integrating maximum temperature and pollen concentrations of the previous day as predictors, were successful and complementary methods in order to predict the beginning of the pollination period and the daily mean concentrations reached during the main pollen season respectively.Key words. Pollen, Lugo, Meteorology, Prediction, Intradiurnal, Poaceae.


2015 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Kruczek ◽  
Małgorzata Puc ◽  
Alina Stacewicz ◽  
Tomasz Wolski

The aim of the study was to investigate the concentration of <em>Alnus</em> L., <em>Corylus</em> L. and <em>Betula</em> L. pollen in the village of Gudowo (Western Pomerania, Poland) in the years 2012–2014 in order to estimate the threat of allergenic tree pollen in this rural region. Measurements were performed using the volumetric method (VPPS Lanzoni 2000 pollen sampler). The duration of the pollen season was determined by the 98% method, taking days on which, respectively, 1% and 99% of the annual total pollen grains appeared as the beginning and end of the season. Pollen grains from hazel occurred in the air as the first ones, before pollen grains from alder and birch. The earliest beginning of the hazel pollen season was recorded in 2012, whereas alder and birch pollen seasons started the earliest in 2014. Daily maximum pollen concentrations of the investigated taxa were recorded in 2014. Birch pollen allergens posed the largest threat to pollinosis sufferers. In the years 2012–2014, pollen concentrations equal or higher than threshold values, at which people with pollinosis show allergic symptoms, were recorded most frequently for birch, hazel, and alder (25, 19, and 14 days, respectively). The highest hourly alder pollen concentration was recorded at 16:00 and in the case of hazel at 15:00. The diurnal distribution of birch pollen concentrations does not show any distinct peaks.


2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 14627-14656 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Peel ◽  
P. V. &amp;Oslash;rby ◽  
C. A. Skj&amp;oslash;th ◽  
R. Kennedy ◽  
V. Schlünssen ◽  
...  

Abstract. In this study, the diurnal atmospheric grass pollen concentration profile within the Danish city of Aarhus was shown to change in a systematic manner as the season progressed. Although diurnal grass pollen profiles can differ greatly from day-to-day, it is common practice to establish the time of day when peak concentrations are most likely to occur using seasonally-averaged diurnal profiles. Atmospheric pollen loads are highly dependent upon emissions, and different species of grass are known to flower and emit pollen at different times of the day and during different periods of the pollen season. Pollen concentrations are also influenced by meteorological factors – directly through those parameters that govern pollen dispersion and transport, and indirectly through the weather-driven flowering process. We found that three different profiles dominated the grass pollen season in Aarhus – a twin peak profile in the early season, a single evening profile in the mid-season, and a single midday peak in the late season. Whilst this variation could not be explained by meteorological factors, no inconsistencies were found with the theory that the variation was driven by a succession of different grass species with different diurnal flowering patterns dominating atmospheric pollen loads as the season progressed. The potential for exposure was found to be significantly greater during the late season period than during either the early or mid season periods.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danijela Stešević ◽  
Danka Caković ◽  
Slobodan Jovanović

The paper presents a taxonomic, ecological and phytogeographical study of the native and alien flora of the urban area of Podgorica (Capital of Montenegro, SE Europe). The surveyed terrain extends over 86 km2, and apart from the urban it also entails the peri-urban zone. The checklist of vascular plants of the urban area includes1222 species and subspecies from 561 genera and 121 families which represents a little over a third of the total flora of Montenegro. The richness and diversity of the city’s flora are caused by the local geomorphology and climatic conditions of the area, the high diversity of habitats with different anthropogenic impact and the increased immigration of plants from the surrounding ecosystems. Concerning the distribution of the species number by quadrant in  the city area of Podgorica ther is no gradient between growing number of species and distance from the urban core. However, if the distribution of the number of taxa per habitat is taken into consideration, it is clear that the homogeneity of habitats and the increase in the urbanisation leads to decline of the number of wild growing taxa. The families represented by the highest number of taxa are Poaceae (11.5%), Asteraceae (11.2%) and Fabaceae (9.2%). while the genera represented most are Trifolium (2.1%), Euphorbia (1.4%), Carex, Ranunculus and Bromus (1.3 each%), Veronica (1.2%), Allium (1.1%), Vicia and Lathyrus (1% each). Apart from the expected high presence of synanthropic, ruderal and ruderal-segetal taxa, the flora of Podgorica is characterised by a significant number of typical urbanophobes. Comparing to the flora of selected European cities (Zurich, Vienna, Rome, Patras and Thessaloniki), Podgorica showed the biggest similarity with Rome (Sørensen’s quotient of similarity (Q/S)= 69.4). The general life form spectrum  has therophytic-hemicryptophytic character, which, on one hand, reflects the climatic conditions and on the other the intensive urbanisation of the surveyed area. Like in the spectrum of other Mediterranean cities, the participation of the geophytes is relatively high (11.7%). Conserning phenology, Podgorica is a city in which no interruption of vegetation growth and something is always in flower. The majority of plants flower in May, the smallest number flowers in December. Regarding the ecological temperature index, dominating in the city area are thermophilic plants (T7 and T8), an indication of the Mediterranean character of the city area. Prevalent in terms of the light index are heliophyllic plants (L7 and L8), conditioned by exposure of the terrain to sunlight, as well as by the degradation of the primary forest cover and the domination of open and sunny habitats. Dominant in terms of soil reaction are neutrophilic and neutro-basophilic species (R5 and R7), and in terms of nutrients oligotrophic plants (N2 and N3). Dominating in terms of the humidity index are H3 and H4 plants, as expected considering the climatic conditions and hydrography of the area. The phytogeographic spectrum of Podgorica fits into the general spectrum of South European cities and is characterised by the prevailing presence of Mediterranean species s.l. (39.7%). The participation of aliens is relatively small (14.1%), probably due to the short history of the settlement and the poorly developed transportation and trading networks. Dominant among aliens are taxa of Asteraceae (15.7%) and plants of Asian (43%) and North American origin (23.2%). The most aggressive aliens in the city area are Ailanthus altissima, Artemisia annua, A. verlotiorum, Bidens subalternans, Broussonetia papyrifera, taxa of the genus Erigeron, Symphyotrichum squamatum and Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum.The comparative analysis of selected habitat types in the area of Podgorica showed that two habitat types are distinguished by prominent floristic richness: meadows (46.1%) and dikes along railroad tracks (32.1%). Due to constant degradation and loss of habitat in the strict urban zone of Podgorica which on one hand causes the loss of native flora, and on the other facilitates the expansion of the alien flora, we expect the effect of the biotic homogenisation to be noticeable in the area of Podgorica.The allergenic flora of Podgorica includes 253 taxa of wild vascular plants whose pollen has been grouped into three categories: woody plants pollen (32 taxa), weed pollen (76 taxa) and grass pollen (145). Tree pollen is present from February to April, while weed and grass pollen from April to October.


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