Statistical evaluation of three years of pollen sampling in Cartagena, Spain

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Monitoring of airborne pollen grains in Cartagena (Spain) has been carried out over a period of three years from 18 March 1993 to 18 March 1996 using a volumetric capture device (Hirst Sampler, Lanzoni VPPS‐2000). A total of 59877 grains/m3 belonging to 44 taxa were observed. The Urticaceae are the most common group, with altogether 18479 grains/m3. Other frequent taxa were Chenopodiaceae‐Amaranthaceae, Cupressaceae, Olea, Quercus Pinaceae, Poaceae, Plantago, Platanus, Zygophyllum and Arecaceae. The weekly average was 384 grains/m3, with a maximum value of 2104 grains/m3 during the month of May and a minimum value of 21 grains/m3 during the month of October. The total and individual pollen concentration has been decreasing over these three years, probably due to the severe drought in the region. In 1996, the total pollen amount was 46% less than in 1993. A negative correlation was found between the total pollen content and rainfall, humidity and air pressure, and a positive one with sunshine. According to multiple regression analysis, 22% of the pollen concentration can be correlated with meteorological parameters.