scholarly journals Data Mining Methods to Detect Airborne Pollen of Spring Flowering Arboreal Taxa

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1801
Author(s):  
Estefanía González-Fernández ◽  
Sabela Álvarez-López ◽  
Alba Piña-Rey ◽  
María Fernández-González ◽  
Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Rajo
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Pollen Types ◽  
Thermal Amplitude ◽  
Total Pollen

Variations in the airborne pollen load are among the current and expected impacts on plant pollination driven by climate change. Due to the potential risk for pollen-allergy sufferers, this study aimed to analyze the trends of the three most abundant spring-tree pollen types, Pinus, Platanus and Quercus, and to evaluate the possible influence of meteorological conditions. An aerobiological study was performed during the 1993–2020 period in the Ourense city (NW Spain) by means of a Hirst-type volumetric sampler. Meteorological data were obtained from the ‘Ourense’ meteorological station of METEOGALICIA. We found statistically significant trends for the Total Pollen in all cases. The positive slope values indicated an increase in pollen grains over the pollen season along the studied years, ranging from an increase of 107 to 442 pollen grains. The resulting C5.0 Decision Trees and Rule-Based Models coincided with the Spearman’s correlations since both statistical analyses showed a strong and positive influence of temperature and sunlight on pollen release and dispersal, as well as a negative influence of rainfall due to washout processes. Specifically, we found that slight rainfall and moderate temperatures promote the presence of Pinus pollen in the atmosphere and a marked effect of the daily thermal amplitude on the presence of high Platanus pollen levels. The percentage of successful predictions of the C5.0 models ranged between 62.23–74.28%. The analysis of long-term datasets of pollen and meteorological information provides valuable models that can be used as an indicator of potential allergy risk in the short term by feeding the obtained models with weather prognostics.

scholarly journals Airborne pollen observations using a multi-wavelength Raman polarization lidar in Finland: characterization of pure pollen types

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoxia Shang ◽  
Elina Giannakaki ◽  
Stephanie Bohlmann ◽  
Maria Filioglou ◽  
Annika Saarto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Wavelength Dependence ◽  
Depolarization Ratio ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Pollen Types ◽  
Pine Pollen ◽  
Significant Wavelength ◽  
532 Nm

Abstract. We present a novel algorithm for characterizing the optical properties of pure pollen particles, based on the depolarization values obtained in lidar measurements. The algorithm was first tested and validated through a simulator, and then applied to the lidar observations during a four-month pollen campaign from May to August 2016 at the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) station in Kuopio (62°44′ N, 27°33′ E), in Eastern Finland. Twenty types of pollen were observed and identified from concurrent measurements with Burkard sampler; Birch (Betula), pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea) and nettle (Urtica) pollen were most abundant, contributing more than 90 % of total pollen load, regarding number concentrations. Mean values of lidar-derived optical properties in the pollen layer were retrieved for four intense pollination periods (IPPs). Lidar ratios at both 355 and 532 nm ranged from 55 to 70 sr for all pollen types, without significant wavelength-dependence. Enhanced depolarization ratio was found when there were pollen grains in the atmosphere, and even higher depolarization ratio (with mean values of 25 % or 14 %) was observed with presence of the more non-spherical spruce or pine pollen. The depolarization ratio at 532 nm of pure pollen particles was assessed, resulting to 24 ± 3 % and 36 ± 5 % for birch and pine pollen, respectively. Pollen optical properties at 1064 nm and 355 nm were also estimated. The backscatter-related Ångström exponent between 532 and 1064 nm was assessed as ~ 0.8 (~ 0.5) for pure birch (pine) pollen, thus the longer wavelength would be better choice to trace pollen in the air. The pollen depolarization ratio at 355 nm of 17 % and 30 % were found for birch and pine pollen, respectively. The depolarization values show a wavelength dependence for pollen. This can be the key parameter for pollen detection and characterization.

scholarly journals Aeroallergens and Climate Change in Tulsa, Oklahoma: Long-Term Trends in the South Central United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estelle Levetin
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
United States ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
The South ◽  
South Central ◽  
Pollen Types ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Total Pollen

Climate change is having a significant effect on many allergenic plants resulting in increased pollen production and shifts in plant phenology. Although these effects have been well-studied in some areas of the world, few studies have focused on long-term changes in allergenic pollen in the South Central United States. This study examined airborne pollen, temperature, and precipitation in Tulsa, Oklahoma over 25 to 34 years. Pollen was monitored with a Hirst-type spore trap on the roof of a building at the University of Tulsa and meteorology data were obtained from the National Weather Service. Changes in total pollen intensity were examined along with detailed analyses of the eight most abundant pollen types in the Tulsa atmosphere. In addition to pollen intensity, changes in pollen season start date, end date, peak date and season duration were also analyzed. Results show a trend to increasing temperatures with a significant increase in annual maximum temperature. There was a non-significant trend toward increasing total pollen and a significant increase in tree pollen over time. Several individual taxa showed significant increases in pollen intensity over the study period including spring Cupressaceae and Quercus pollen, while Ambrosia pollen showed a significant decrease. Data from the current study also indicated that the pollen season started earlier for spring pollinating trees and Poaceae. Significant correlations with preseason temperature may explain the earlier pollen season start dates along with a trend toward increasing March temperatures. More research is needed to understand the global impact of climate change on allergenic species, especially from other regions that have not been studied.

scholarly journals Airborne Pollen Records of Shomolu Local Government Area in Lagos State

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiwalade A. ADENIYI ◽  
Peter A. ADEONIPEKUN ◽  
James D. OLOWOKUDEJO ◽  
Idowu S. AKANDE
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
State University ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Pollen Content ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
Total Pollen ◽  
Pollen Distribution ◽  
The Town

Data on the prevalence of pollen in the atmosphere is limited and almost non-existent for Lagos State and Nigeria. Pollen grains are known to be highly allergenic and thus they are potential causes of respiratory diseases. To investigate airborne incidence of pollen, so as to construct a pollen calendar and contribute to current trends in the development of aeropalynology/allergy study in Nigeria, three highly populated locations in Shomolu Local Government areas of Lagos State: University of Lagos, Bariga and Gbagada, were sampled. Aero-samplers were harvested monthly from January 2013 to December 2013. After acetolysis treatment and analysis, the total pollen count was 4393, belonging to 38 pollen taxa and 29 families. The main taxa include Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Amaranthaceae, Ludwigia and Alchornea. Monthly pollen counts were highest in October and lowest in June. Almost three-quarters of the total pollen content came from grasses and weeds. This composition reflects the ornamental and grassland flora of the town, as well as the natural vegetation surrounding the urban area. The total pollen concentration correlates positively with the temperature and negatively with the wind, rainfall and relative humidity, which was similar in the dominant taxa Amaranthaceae and Alchornea. Dominant taxa Cyperaceae and Ludwigia have significant positive correlation with wheezing cough. Results from this work will form the basis for a forecast service required to inform and educate the general public and allergy sufferers about pollen distribution in Lagos State.

scholarly journals Tree Pollen Spectra and Pollen Allergy Risk in the Osijek-Baranja County

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Sikora ◽  
Marina Valek ◽  
Zdenka Šušić ◽  
Vera Santo ◽  
Dario Brdarić
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Tree Pollen ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Measuring Site ◽  
Monitoring Stations

The forests of north-eastern Croatia, as well as various plants and trees in the parks and streets of the Osijek-Baranja County, produce large amounts of pollen during the pollen season, which can cause allergy symptoms in pollen sensitive individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent types of pollen in this area and estimate possible health risks, especially the risk of allergy. In 2009 and 2010, the staff of the Health Ecology Department of the Osijek Public Health Institute monitored tree pollen concentrations in four cities from the Osijek - Baranja County (Osijek, Našice, Đakovo and Beli Manastir) using a Burkard volumetric instrument. The results were affected by weather conditions. Windy and sunny days facilitated the transfer of pollen, whereas during rainy days, the concentration of pollen grains decreased. High pollen concentrations of Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae and Aceraceae could be the cause for symptoms of pollen allergy. In 2009, conifers, birch and poplar pollen were dominant at all monitoring stations with 5000 pollen grains (PG), 3188 PG and 3113 PG respectively. The highest number of pollen grains was recorded at measuring site Osijek. The variations in airborne pollen concentration between pollen seasons were recorded at all monitoring stations. The most obvious variations were recorded at measuring site Osijek. The usual pollination period lasts two to three months, which means that most pollen grains remain present from February to early June. However, the Cupressaceae / Taxaceae pollination periods last the longest and their pollen grains remain present until the end of summer. The risk of allergy was determined at four monitored measuring stations and the obtained data confirmed that the largest number of days with a high health risk was at the Đakovo measuring station for a species of birch. The research information aims to help allergologists and individuals allergic to plant pollen develop preventive measures and proper treatment therapies.

Analysis of airborne pollen fall in Sakarya, Turkey

Biologia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adem Bicakci
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Arboreal Pollen ◽  
Total Pollen

AbstractIn this study, pollen grains were identified using Durham sampler in the atmosphere of Sakarya in 2000 and 2001. During these two years, a total of 10 805 pollen grains were recorded. A total of 5 386 pollen grains per cm2 were recorded in 2000 and a total of 5 419 pollen grains per cm2 in 2001. Pollen fall in the years 2000–2001 comprised grains belonging to 40 taxa and some unidentified pollen grains. Of these taxa, 22 belonged to arboreal and 18 taxa to non arboreal plants. Total pollen grains consisted of 69.45% grains from arboreal plants, 28.11% grains from non-arboreal plants and 2.44% unidentified pollen grains. In the region investigated, Gramineae, Pinus sp., Quercus sp., Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Salix sp., Platanus sp., Populus sp., Carpinus sp., Fagus sp., Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Xanthium sp., Moraceae, Corylus sp., Fraxinus sp., and Urticaceae released the greatest amount of pollen. The season of maximum pollen fall was from March to May, with a prevalence of arboreal pollen in the first months, and of pollen from non-arboreal plants in the last months of the year.

scholarly journals Pollen spectrum of Finnish honey 

1982 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 403-420
Author(s):  
Anna-Liisa Varis ◽  
Juha Helenius ◽  
Kari Koivulehto
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Pollen Spectrum ◽  
Dominant Type ◽  
Oilseed Crops ◽  
Pollen Types ◽  
Average Proportion ◽  
Total Pollen ◽  
Salix Spp

Pollen spectra were analysed on 160 honey samples representing the whole beekeeping area of Finland in the years 1977 and 1978. A semi-quantitative method of pollen analysis based online counts was developed. It was found efficient for determining the relative numbers of pollen grains in the honey samples. On average, ca. 16 pollen types were identified per sample. The number of honeydew elements was low in all samples. Brassicaceae pollen was the dominant type. The other most frequent and abundant types were pollen grains of Trifolium repens + T. hybridum, Salix spp., "the Rosaceae group” (Prunus, Malus, Sorbus spp.), Apiaceae, and Filipendula ulmaria. These pollen types constituted 90.8 % (1977) and 90.3 % (1978) of all the pollen examined. Between 1960—1963 and 1977—1978 the average proportion of Brassicaceae pollen has risen, while the proportion of T. repens + T. hybridum pollen has decreased, evidently due to the changes in agricultural practices. The seasonal variation in the pollen spectrum was explained by the weather conditions. Regionally characteristic pollen spectra were not found, although Brassicaceae pollen was typical of the honeys of agricultural zones I and II, due to cultivation of Brassica oilseed crops in those regions. The positive correlation of the proportion of Brassicaceae pollen with the total pollen count is discussed in connection with the problem of determining the botanical origin.

scholarly journals Pollen Explains Flu-Like and COVID-19 Seasonality

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn J. Hoogeveen ◽  
Eric C.M. van Gorp ◽  
Ellen K. Hoogeveen
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Total Pollen

AbstractCurrent models for flu-like epidemics insufficiently explain multi-cycle seasonality. Meteorological factors alone, including associated behavior, do not predict seasonality, given substantial climate differences between countries that are subject to flu-like epidemics or COVID-19. Pollen is documented to be antiviral, anti-influenza and allergenic, plays a role in immuno-activation, and seems to create a bio-aerosol lowering the reproduction number of flu-like viruses. Therefore, we hypothesize that pollen may explain the seasonality of flu-like epidemics including COVID-19.We tested the Pollen-Flu Seasonality Theory for 2016–2020 flu-like seasons, including COVID-19, in The Netherlands with its 17 million inhabitants. We combined changes in flu-like incidence per 100K/Dutch citizens (code: ILI) with weekly pollen counts and meteorological data. Finally, a discrete, predictive model is tested using pollen and meteorological threshold values displaying inhibitory effects on flu-like incidence.We found a highly significant inverse association of r(224) = –.38 between pollen and changes in flu-like incidence corrected for incubation period, confirming our expectations for the 2019/2020 COVID-19 season. The associations become stronger when taking into account incubation time, which satisfies the temporality criteria. We found that our predictive model has the highest inverse correlation with changes in flu-like incidence of r(222) = –.48 (p < .001) when thresholds of 610 total pollen grains/m3 per week, 120 allergenic pollen grains/m3 per week, and a solar radiation of 510 J/cm2 are passed. The passing of at least the pollen thresholds, preludes the beginning and end of flu-like seasons. Solar radiation is a supportive factor, temperature makes no difference, and relative humidity associates even with flu-like incidence increases.We conclude that pollen is a predictor for the inverse seasonality of flu-like epidemics including COVID-19, and solar radiation is a co-inhibitor. The observed seasonality of COVID-19 during Spring, suggests that COVID-19 may revive in The Netherlands after week 33, the start being preceded by the relative absence of pollen, and follows standard pollen-flu seasonality patterns.

Thirty-Year Survey on Airborne Pollen Concentrations in Genoa, Italy: Relationship with Sensitizations, Meteorological Data, and Air Pollution

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. e232-e241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arsenio Corrado Negrini ◽  
Simone Negrini ◽  
Vania Giunta ◽  
Silvana Quaglini ◽  
Giorgio Ciprandi
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Pollen Season ◽  
Meteorological Parameters ◽  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Pollen Species ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Pollen Release

Background Pollen allergy represents a relevant health issue. Betulaceae sensitization significantly increased in Genoa, Italy, in the last decades. This study investigated possible relationships among pollen count, meteorological changes, air pollution, and sensitizations in this city during a 30-year period. Methods Betulaceae, Urticaceae, Gramineae, and Oleaceae pollen counts were measured from 1981 to 2010 in Genoa. Sensitization to these pollens was also considered in large populations of allergic patients. Meteorological parameters and pollutants were also measured in the same area. Results Betulaceae sensitization increased over time. All pollen species significantly increased over this time. Pollen season advanced for Betulaceae and Urticaceae. Only Urticaceae season significantly increased. Temperature increased while rainfall decreased over the time. Pollutants significantly decreased. There were some relationships between pollen changes and climatic and air pollution parameters. Conclusion This 30-year study conducted in an urbanized area provided evidence that Betulaceae sensitization significantly increased, pollen load significantly augmented, and climate and air pollution changed with a possible influence on pollen release.

scholarly journals Land-Use and Height of Pollen Sampling Affect Pollen Exposure in Munich, Germany

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Rojo ◽  
Jose Oteros ◽  
Antonio Picornell ◽  
Franziska Ruëff ◽  
Barbora Werchan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Dispersal Capacity ◽  
Pollen Types ◽  
Pollen Concentrations ◽  
Pollen Sources ◽  
Poaceae Pollen ◽  
The City

Airborne pollen concentrations vary depending on the location of the pollen trap with respect to the pollen sources. Two Hirst-type pollen traps were analyzed within the city of Munich (Germany): one trap was located 2 m above ground level (AGL) and the other one at rooftop (35 m AGL), 4.2 km apart. In general, 1.4 ± 0.5 times higher pollen amounts were measured by the trap located at ground level, but this effect was less than expected considering the height difference between the traps. Pollen from woody trees such as Alnus, Betula, Corylus, Fraxinus, Picea, Pinus and Quercus showed a good agreement between the traps in terms of timing and intensity. Similar amounts of pollen were recorded in the two traps when pollen sources were more abundant outside of the city. In contrast, pollen concentrations from Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Carpinus and Tilia were influenced by nearby pollen sources. The representativeness of both traps for herbaceous pollen depended on the dispersal capacity of the pollen grains, and in the case of Poaceae pollen, nearby pollen sources may influence the pollen content in the air. The timing of the pollen season was similar for both sites; however, the season for some pollen types ended later at ground level probably due to resuspension processes that would favor recirculation of pollen closer to ground level. We believe measurements from the higher station provides a picture of background pollen levels representative of a large area, to which local sources add additional and more variable pollen amounts.

scholarly journals QUANTITATIVE AEROPALYNOLOGY IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF TIMISOARA CITY, ROMANIA

1970 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoleta Ianovici
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Pollen ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Respiratory Allergy ◽  
Volumetric Method ◽  
Allergenic Pollen ◽  
Deciduous Trees ◽  
Pollen Concentration ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
Total Pollen

Many airborne pollen grains and fungal spores are important biopollutants responsible for human respiratory allergy. In the conditions of România the most important cause of pollinosis is allergenic pollen of some deciduous trees as well as grasses and weeds. The measurements of pollen concentration in the aeroplankton of Timişoara were carried out in 2003 by the volumetric method. The highest concentrations are noted in April and August. A total of 23 types of pollen taxa were recorded in the air of the study area in the 2003-year: Acer, Alnus, Ambrosia, Artemisia, Betula, Carpinus, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Corylus, Fraxinus, Juglans, Morus, Pinaceae, Platanus, Plantago, Populus, Poaceae, Rumex, Salix, Quercus, Taxaceae/Cupressaceae, Tilia, Urtica, Ulmus. The highest values of annual total of pollen grains in a group of trees were reached by Populus and Betula, as well as in a group of grasses and weeds – Ambrosia, Urtica and Poaceae. Trees pollen predominantly contributed to the total pollen sum with a percentage of 53.56%, followed by herbs 37.54% and grasses 8.9%.

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