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Airborne pollen patterns in Mar del Plata atmosphere (Argentina) and its relationship with meteorological conditions

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Abstract

This work is part of a series of aerobiological researches conducted in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina. The annual, seasonal and daily features of the pollen cloud were analyzed over 2 years, together with the effects of the meteorological variables. Cupressaceae amounted to 75 and 54% of the annual total in each year, and it was analyzed separately due to its proven overrepresentation. Eighty-five pollen types were registered during the 2 years, bearing a similar annual pattern (more than 50% from August to November, December also being an important month). Arboreal pollen predominated between late winter and spring (61 and 49% of the annual total), while non-arboreal pollen did so from late spring to summer. The observed seasonality was significantly correlated with the monthly mean temperatures and associated with its effect on phenology. No significant differences along the day were detected between years and 50% of the daily total was recorded between 1000 and 1600 hours. The maximum concentration was registered at 1000 hours in spring and summer, but later in autumn and winter. Regarding the hourly scale, the significant correlation of total pollen with temperature and wind speed was positive, albeit negative with relative humidity. These effects are linked to airborne pollen release and transport. The role rainfall plays on airborne pollen is discussed. To interpret the results, it is important to consider the time scale at which the aerobiological phenomenon is analyzed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to M.M. Bianchi for having read the manuscript and provided helpful comments. Thanks also to M.P. Oteiza for improving the English. This work was partially supported by UNMDP (EXA 374/07) and UADER (PIDP Res. N° 550/08). FL and MAC are members of the Program on Scientific Researcher of CONICET (Argentina).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, Funes 3250, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, 7600, Argentina

    Fabiana Latorre

  2. CICyPPT-CONICET, Dr. Matteri and España, 3105, Diamante, Argentina

    Fabiana Latorre & Marta A. Caccavari

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  1. Fabiana Latorre
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  2. Marta A. Caccavari
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Correspondence to Fabiana Latorre.

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Latorre, F., Caccavari, M.A. Airborne pollen patterns in Mar del Plata atmosphere (Argentina) and its relationship with meteorological conditions. Aerobiologia 25, 297–312 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-009-9134-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-009-9134-6

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