A contribution to the knowledge of Cupressaceae airborne pollen in the middle west of Spain

Abstract

EN]This study investigates the pollen of Cupressaceae in the atmosphere of Salamanca during the years 2000–2007. Annual variations in the concentration of pollen in the atmosphere were analysed by the volumetric method using Hirst spore trap. From a quantitative point of view, Cupressaceae is the third most abundant airborne taxa in the city of Salamanca where it constitutes 11 % of the total pollen content as a mean value, displaying an increase in its atmospheric pollen index during the 8 years studied. This pollen type was mainly detected in the atmosphere during winter season, with an atmospheric pollen season registered between late January and June and maximum concentrations detected in late February and early March. The intradiurnal pattern reached a higher hourly concentration peak in the central hours of the day. Cupressaceae pollen concentrations exceeded known thresholds on more days in the last 4 years studied. The correlations obtained between daily pollen counts and different meteorological parameters showed that the airborne presence of this pollen type is positively associated with temperature during winter months. The results could be useful to improve the knowledge of this pollen type in the atmosphere and to prevent symptoms of allergic reactions in pollensensitive people.