Airborne pollen in Genoa (NW-Italy): a comparison between two pollen-sampling stations

A comparison between two pollen-sampling stationsin the city area of Genoa is presented. The samplingsites are placed 3 km apart, respectively in theeastern urban area (St. Martino Hospital – S.M.) andin the historical centre (Botanical Garden – B.G.).Pollen sampling was carried out during the years1995–1997 at the two different sites by volumetricHirst-type sampler and then compared. The dailyairborne pollen concentration of Urticaceae, Poaceae,Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Corylaceae/Betulaceae andOleaceae resulted prevailingly higher at S.M., while a good correspondence was observed from a phenologicpoint of view. Asteraceae have shown the bestqualitative-quantitative consistency. In springtime adifference was recorded for Urticales, maybe due tolocal occurence (B.G.) of Broussonetia papyrifera(Moraceae). On the whole, the correspondence betweenthe two different sampling stations proved to besatisfactory.     

A correlation study between airborne pollen and cases of pollinosis in humans

This study aims to establish themathematical relationship between allergenicpollen in the air and clinical cases ofpollinosis (hay fever) in humans, and toevaluate the immediate effect of wind and rainon such cases. The pollen was collected inFigueres, Catalonia, Spain (42°30 Nand 3° E), through a filtration method,in the spring of 1998. Skin tests revealed thatthe antigenic taxa are Olea europaea,Plantago sp., Parietaria officinalisand Gramineae. A linear correlation –with the number of days with presence of pollenas the abscissa and the number of days withcoincidence of pollinosis as the ordinate – wasperformed. The linear correlation coefficientwas 0.9285, at the limit of a directcorrelation by two degrees of freedom.Furthermore, a negative relationship wasobserved between the number of days with rainand number of days with pollinosis, and apositive relationship between the number ofdays with fixed wind speed and number of dayswith pollinosis.     

An aerobiological study of pollen grains and fungal spores of Barcelona (Spain)

Summary A study of concentration of airborne pollen grains and fungal spores has been carried out in Barcelona (Spain) during 1989–90. The volumetric method of filtration, previously described for airborne pollen analysis (Suarez-Cervera and Seoane-Camba, 1983) has been used. In this case, the filters have also been cultivated in Czapecdox-agar, Sabouraud-agar and Sabouraud-agar with streptomycin for the identification of the fungal colonies. Analysis of the number of fungal spores growing on the filter shows that the maxima of colonies of spores developed in culture per m³ of air filtered, correspond to September–December. Pollen and spore concentrations start from November–December, reach a maximum in March–April and decline progressively until September–October. Therefore, in the city of Barcelona, the greatest concentration occurs in spring and the lowest in autumn.     

Airborne fungal spores in dust present in archives: pProposal for a detection method, new for archival materials

Libraries and archives are keepers of expressions of human thought, from the most ancient documents written on papyrus, parchement, etc., to the new photographic and electronic supports. These materials of vegetal, animal or synthetic origin are subject to deterioration by physical agents (light, heat, humidity), chemical agents (atmospheric pollution),and biological agents (bacteria, microfungi and insects). Micro-organisms, agents of biodeterioration, as it is known, can be carried by airborne particles which can eventually settle in the dust. This paper shows the results of a preliminary quantitative and qualitative study made on potentially deteriogenic airborne fungal spores present in the dust deposited on shelves and documents of an archive's repository. The hygrothermometric parameters and the water content of the materials were also measured. The dust samples were collected with Swab Millipore samplers, using electrostatic attraction. This kind of sampler, originally destined for the microbiological analysis of water and, in extension, used to isolate bacteria from the book-material, was successfully also used in this case of dust sampling. Compared with the data resulting from the bibliography on dust, the use of Swabs allowed the spores present in the dust on books and shelves to be isolated. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparison of intradiurnal variation of airborne pollen in Mar del Plata (Argentina). Part I. Non-arboreal pollen

Intradiurnal variation of non-arboreal pollen (NAP) aredescribed in relation to the associated weather using the data obtainedwith a Burkard trap in Mar del Plata city, for a three year data set(1988, 1992 and 1995). The daily pattern of concentration was quitehomogeneous during the years analysed except for 1995, when it showed avariation due to the change of position of the station. Qualitativecomposition of the NAP airborne pollen was mainly represented byPoaceae, Plantago and Cyperaceae during the three years. The daily trendshowed high concentrations during daylight hours, when instability andconvective movements prevail, and low concentrations in the night, whenmeteorological conditions favour the development of a stable stratifiedlayer.     

Airborne pollen in Kiev (Ukraine): Gravimetric sampling

This article presents the results of aeropalynological observations in Kiev, carried out with a gravimetric method, during January–October, 1994. The six most abundant pollen types were: Betulaceae (21%), Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae (10%), Ambrosia (10%), Artemisia (9%) Pinaceae (8%) and Poaceae (6%). Seasonal fluctuations of the atmospheric presence of tree/shurb and herb/grass pollen during the period March–September, 1993 and 1994, are also shown.     

Aerobiology of Urticaceae pollen in Trieste (NE Italy)

The aerobiological behaviour of Urticaceae in Trieste and the correlations with the meteorological parameters were examined. Airborne pollen was collected from 1990 to 1999 using a Hirst type spore trap (Burkard) and the data interpretation was performed according to the standard method adopted by the Italian Aeroallergen Network. The main pollen season of Urticaceae in Trieste goes from mid-April to mid-September. The highest values occur in May and June. Although different seasonal patterns are found every year, the main peak occurs on average at the beginning of May, followed by other decreasing peaks until September. Thecumulative counts vary greatly over the years, with a mean value of 18.315 p/m³. The maximum annual total pollen grains was registered in 1996 and the minimum in 1991. Spearman's correlation was used to establish the relationship between the daily pollen counts and the daily meteorological data both considering their original quantitative values and transformed values according to their day by day changes. Daily pollen concentrations present usually positive correlation with temperature, negative with rainfall and wind speed and no correlation with humidity. Better results were obtained with transformed values.     

Ragweed (Ambrosia) sensitisation rates correlate withthe amount of inhaled airborne pollen. A 14-year studyin Vienna, Austria

Ragweed pollen have been monitored since 1976 inVienna. Since 1984, the outdoor patients of theallergy department of the ear-nose-and-throatUniversity Clinic underwent both Skin Prick Test andRAST/CAP test with a standard series of commoninhalant allergens, ragweed (Ambrosia elatiorL.) included. Both the ragweed counts and the number of positiveRAST results showed a significant increase by time.Furthermore, a clear correlation between the number ofairborne pollen and the percentage of positiveRAST/CAP results is evident.The immune-response in the Viennese population ofatopic subjects is dependent on the amount of inhaledpollen.     

Ragweed presence in Trieste: clinical and aerobiological data

Summary Studies on ragweed have been carried out in the province of Trieste (Northern Italy) in which it is becoming widespread. The floristic records, the increasing amount of airborne pollen monitored and the relevant skin reactivity are reported. This phenomenon, though still at the beginning, is actually showing an upward trend due to man's intervention over wider and wider areas which as a consequence become suitable for the settlement of these anthropophitic species. The aerobiological data are compared to the skin reactivities of allergic subjects.     

Pollen survey and clinical research in Yunnan, China

This pollen survey includes 7 counties of Yunnan Province, China: Quinjin, Xishuanbanna, Lijiang, Wenshan, Yuxi and Kunming. From 1991–1992, optical and statistical examination of exposed glass slides showed that pollen is air-borne in Yunnan throughout the year. Pollen is also in great quantity and variety with two apparent pollen peaks. This paper also discusses the influences of climate and elevation on the amount of pollen carried by air. A geographical and seasonal variation of pollen level was established. The pollen particles causing possible sensitization were collected in the field and refined into an allergen extract which was applied to clinical tests for patients suffering from allergosis in our hospital with a high rate of pollen allergy. The results show the effectiveness of specific desensitization for pollen allergic patients. This study is therefore of great significance to the diagnosis,treatment and prevention of pollen allergy.     

Allergy to ragweed: clinical relevance in Turin

This study evaluates the contribution of ragweed tothe development of allergic manifestations in a groupof outpatients and the atmospheric pollenconcentration trend in the city of Turin (Italy) fromJanuary 1996 to December 1997.We examined 5680 subjects affected byrhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma duringspring and summer or by perennial respiratory symptomswith seasonal increase. All subjects were submittedto: (a) a clinical questionnaire; (b) skin prick testswith standard inhalant allergens battery includingpollens of Gramineae, Compositae (Artemisia andAmbrosia), Parietaria, Plantago,Olea, Betula, house dust mite, cat and dogdanders, mould spore (Alternaria and Cladosporium); (c) measurement of specific IgEantibodies in serum (RAST). A weekly programmed Hirstspore-trap was used to sample airborne pollengrains. Pollen was identified and quantified at thePlant Biology Institute of Turin University.The highest concentration of ragweed pollen was 28.6 P/m³ in 1996 and 9.66 P/m³ in 1997.The number of subjects allergic to Ambrosiapollen alone was 8 (0.14% of the total), while thenumber of those allergic to Artemisia absinthiumwas 22 (0.38% of the total). The subjects allergicto both pollens of the Compositae family was 57(1%).Our results show a low prevalence of sensitization toragweed pollen, which is contrary to what we see inother Italian regions like Lombardy and Veneto. Onecause of low sensitization may be the low percentageof Ambrosia pollen in the atmosphere.     

Aerobiological behaviour of Platanus L. pollen in Catalonia (North-East Spain)

The aim of this paper is to characterise theairborne behaviour of an allergenic andabundant pollen type, Platanus, in sevensites of the Aerobiological Network ofCatalonia (Xarxa Aerobiològica deCatalunya, XAC). In Catalonia, the mostextended Platanus species is Platanus × hybrida Brot., widely planted inforestry and as ornamental tree in streets andgardens. Naturalised specimens can also befound along river banks.The pollen records analysed are from differentperiods comprised between 1994 and 2000 inBarcelona, Bellaterra, Cambrils, Girona,Lleida, Manresa and Tarragona. All data wereobtained using seven-day volumetric spore Hirsttraps.Platanus pollination is concentrated in afew weeks, between March and April. Platanus pollen is present in all theatmospheric pollen spectra for the sitesmentioned above. In Barcelona, Platanuspollen attained the highest concentrations,with an extreme annual index (sum of the meandaily concentrations) of 25790 in 1997, and amaximum daily concentration of 2567 P/m³on 15th March 2000. The lowest annual index(647) corresponds to Cambrils, 2000, and thelowest maximum daily concentration (74P/m³) was registered on 7th April1996, in Manresa.The interannual variation of Platanuspollen values can be explained not only bymeteorological parameters and the endogenousfactors of the tree, but also by human activitysuch as elimination, pruning and watering.     

Airborne Pinus pollen in the atmosphere of Brisbane, Australia and relationships with meteorological parameters

Relationships between weather parameters andairborne pollen loads of Pinus inBrisbane, Australia have been investigated overthe five-year period, June 1994–May 1999.Pinus pollen accounts for 4.5% of the annualairborne pollen load in Brisbane where thePinus season is confined to the winter months,July–early September. During the samplingperiod loads of 11–>100 grains m³ wererecorded on 24 days and 1–10 grains m³ on204 days. The onset and peak dates wereconsistent across each season, whereas the enddates varied. The onset of the Pinuspollen season coincided with the coolestaverage monthly temperatures (< 22°C),lowest rainfall (< 7mm), and four weeks afterdaily minimum temperatures fell to 5–9°Cin late autumn. Correlations obtained betweendaily airborne Pinus pollen counts andtemperature/rainfall parameters show thatdensities of airborne Pinus pollen arenegatively correlated with maximum temperature(p < 0.0001), minimum temperature (p < 0.0001)and rainfall (p < 0.05) during the mainpollination period. The mean duration of eachpollen season was 52 days; longer seasons wereshown to be directly related to lower averageseasonal maximum temperatures (r² = 0.85,p = 0.025). These results signify that maximumand minimum temperatures are the majorparameters that influence the onset andduration of the Pinus pollen season inthe environs of Brisbane. Respiratory allergyis an important health issue in Brisbane,Australia, but it remains unknown whether ornot airborne Pinus pollen is acontributing factor.     

Airborne pollen and spores monitoring in Buenos Aires City: a preliminary report. Part I. Trees and shrubs (AP)

Summary The monthly trees and shrubs pollen (AP) content of the atmosphere during a whole annual period is analyzed. Thirty airborne pollen types have been identified. Most of them come from cultivated plants flowering in late winter-early spring. Thereby the annual peak is recorded in October. The highest frequencies recorded are those ofFraxinus americana, Acer negundo, Platanus spp. andMorus nigra. A second minor peak is recorded in March, and is mainly due toCasuarina spp./Myrica spp. pollen. Aeropalynological data are discussed and correlated with phytogeographical, phenological and meteorological parameters.     

The fluctuations of the allergenic pollen content of the air in Brussels (1982 to 1997)

The pollen content of the air was studied from1982 to 1997 in Brussels. Fluctuations weremainly observed in the tree pollen content whilethe amount of pollen originating from herbaceousplants remained more stable during theinvestigation period.The number of allergenic tree pollen grains didnot rise steadily during this period. We noted,however, the existence of years with high pollenproduction following the physiological biorhythmof the trees. Years with high annual sums for agiven tree pollen type did not coincide withyears with high annual sums for another treepollen type. Variations in annual sums of allergenicherbaceous pollen types were less important thanthose of tree pollen types. No rise, nor cyclicpatterns were observed. The most important allergenic pollen types(Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Gramineae and Artemisia) have been presented in histograms.     

Airborne pollen concentration in the region of Braga, Portugal, and its relationship with meteorological parameters

The variation in airborne pollen concentrationof the Braga region (Portugal) was studied inspringtime, during the flowering of Vitisvinifera. The data set was obtained for twoconsecutive years (1999 and 2000), using aCour-type sampler.During this period, thirty-six taxa wereobserved in a total of 3,200 pollengrains m^-3 of air (CPA). The main pollentypes observed were Olea, Poaceaea,nd Castanea, representing 74% of thepollen spectrum.The airborne pollen concentration (CPA) wassignificantly correlated with certainmeteorological parameters. Pollen concentrationwas positively correlated with temperature andwind direction (East and Northeast) andnegatively correlated with rainfall and numberof rainy days.     

Comparison between pollen counts at ground and at roof level in Basel (Switzerland)

Measurements of pollen frequency were made using two identical pollen traps, one situated at ground level and one at the height of about 30 m. There was no special difference between the results for the two traps in 1995, apart from an excess of pollen in the ground level trap originatinig from trees growing near the trap. In 1996 there was also a greater amount of birch pollen, this time at the roof level. There was also a great difference in the time at which the pollen first appeared between the two years, especially in the early spring.     

The effect of the meteorological factors on the Alnus pollen season in Lublin (Poland)

Alder pollen seasons and the effect of meteorological conditions on daily average pollen counts in the air of Lublin (Poland) were analysed. Alnus pollen grains reach very high concentrations in the atmosphere of this city during the early spring period and the parameters of pollen seasons were very different in the particular years studied. The pollen season lasted on average one month. The highest variation was observed for the peak value and the Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI). The pollen seasons, which started later, had shorter duration. Peak daily average pollen counts and SPI value were higher during the shorter seasons. Similarities in the stages of pollen seasons designated by the percentage method depended on the start date of the pollen season. Season parameters were mainly correlated with thermal conditions at the beginning of the year. Regression analysis was used to predict certain characteristics of the alder pollen season. The highest level of explanation of the variation in Alnus pollen season start and peak dates was obtained in the model using mean temperature in February. The obtained regression models may predict 82% of the variation in the pollen season start date, 73% of the variation in the duration, and 62% in the peak date.     

A comparison of two air samplers for recovery of indoor bioaerosols

Summary A preliminary study was performed using two sampling instruments for airborne bacteria and fungi collection. A Reuter Centrifugal Sampler (RCS) and the open-faced type membrane filter sampler (Sartorius MD8) were compared for evaluating their capability of viable particles recovery. 61 series of parallel samples were collected in the air of a microbiological laboratory. Bacteria and fungi per cubic metre of air were enumerated using appropriate culture media and reported in terms of colony forming units (CFU). Performances of the two instruments for fungi were comparable and significantly correlated, particularly when the Rose Bengal Agar (RBA) medium was used (geometric mean: 237 CFU/m³ for RCS and 247 CFU/m³ for MD8; correlation coefficient: 0.78). Bacterial counts from MD8 resulted consistently lower than those obtained from RCS. The observed high variability suggests the existence of selective collection efficiencies which tend to underestimate the actual occurrence of airborne microrganisms.     

Temporal and geographical variations in grass pollen seasons in areas of west0ern Europe: an analysis of season dates at sites of the European pollen information system

Geographical and temporal variations in the start dates of grass pollen seasons are described for selected sites of the European Pollen Information Service. Daily average grass pollen counts are derived from Network sites in Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, United Kingdom, Austria, Italy and Spain, giving a broad longitudinal transect over Western Europe. The study is part of a larger project that also examines annual and regional variations in the severity, timing of the peak and duration of the grass pollen seasons. For several sites, data are available for over twenty years enabling long term trends to be discerned. The analyses show notable contrasts in the progression of the seasons annually with differing lag times occurring between southern and northern sites in various years depending on the weather conditions. The patterns identified provide some insight into geographical differences and temporal trends in the incidence of pollinosis. The paper discusses the main difficulties involved in this type of analysis and notes possibilities for using data from the European Pollen Information service to construct pan European predictive models for pollen seasons. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.