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The relationship between airborne pollen concentration and wind-related parameters in the atmosphere of İzmir, Turkey

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Abstract

Pollen concentration in the atmosphere is strongly affected by changes in meteorological factors, as well as urban and suburban vegetation in the study area. The identification of atmospheric pollen sources and estimates on their concentrations are critical for the quality of life for individuals affected by pollen allergy. In this study, we evaluated the effect of wind on the concentration levels of dominant pollen types (Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Olea europaea, Pinaceae, Poaceae, Quercus spp., and Urticaceae) recorded in the atmosphere of İzmir, Turkey’s 3rd largest city, in accordance with land cover over a 3-year period. Our results showed higher pollen concentrations for all taxa on days when wind direction was from the southeast toward the city. Elevations around the city, where arboreal taxa are widely distributed, particularly contributed to pollen concentrations through winds blowing from their directions. Besides these environmental elements, plants used in urban landscaping, such as Pinaceae, Olea europaea, and Cupressaceae/Taxaceae also contributed to pollen concentrations in the city’s atmosphere. Although we observed no significant transport from the northern part of the city, we have determined that the agricultural lands in the western and southern parts contribute to the pollen concentrations of Poaceae and Olea europaea. Additionally, we recorded the highest pollen transport for all taxa when wind speed was within the range of 1.6–3.3 m/s, while pollen concentrations declined in higher wind speeds.

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Data availability

The datasets used or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

Sincere thanks to İzmir Meteorology 2nd District Directorate for their technical support. Also thank Aykut Güvensen for proof-reading the text.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Turkey

    Ulas Uguz

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  1. Ulas Uguz
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This article was written by UU as a single author. Data collection, material preparation, and analysis were also performed by UU.

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Correspondence to Ulas Uguz.

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Uguz, U. The relationship between airborne pollen concentration and wind-related parameters in the atmosphere of İzmir, Turkey. Aerobiologia 39, 441–455 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-023-09802-w

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