SpringerLink
Log in

Atmospheric pollen spectrum in Stone City, Mardin; the northern border of Mesopotamia/SE-Turkey

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Airborne pollen distribution in Mardin city was measured volumetrically during three consecutive years, 2014–2016. Three thousand eight hundred fifty-seven pollen grains as a mean value belonging to 44 taxa were recorded annually during the study period, and pollen grains from woody plant taxa had the more substantial atmospheric contribution with 62.66% and with 23 taxa. Despite the differences between years, the highest pollen concentration was recorded in April. The main pollen producers of the pollen spectrum were Cupressaceae (27.79%), Poaceae (21.21%), Platanus (10.29%), Morus (6.19%), Olea europaea (5.01%), Quercus (4.91%), Pinus (3.84%), and Amaranthaceae (3.73%) and almost all dominant pollen types in the city atmosphere were previously stated to be allergic. The atmospheric sampling data was characterized by the high presence of woody plants in spring, as well as the high presentation of herbaceous plants in late spring to early winter. The main pollen season (MPS) and durations of dominated pollen types were analyzed and mostly found a little bit earlier or parallel with similar studies in Mediterranean basin, but found earlier than the east. Statistical analyses were performed to compare years with each other and for correlating daily pollen concentrations of dominated pollen types concurrent with the data of meteorological parameters; a number of significant correlations were found.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Altintas, D. U., Karakoc, D. G., Yilmaz, M., Pinar, M., Kendirli, S. G., & Cakan, H. (2004). Relationship between pollen counts and weather variables in East-Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Clinical and Developmental Immunology, 11(1), 87–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Altunoglu, M. K., Bicakci, A., Celenk, S., Canitez, Y., Malyer, H., & Sapan, N. (2008). Airborne pollen grains in Yalova, Turkey, 2004. Biologia Section Botany, 63(5), 658–663.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, T. B. (1991). A model to predict the beginning of the pollen season. Grana, 30, 269–275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballero, M., & Maxia, A. (2003). Pollen spectrum variations in the atmosphere of Cagliari, Italy. Aerobiologia, 19, 251–259.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bicakci, A. (2006). Analysis of airborne pollen fall in Sakarya, Turkey. Biologia, 61(4), 457–461.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bicakci, A., Akkaya, A., Malyer, H., Turgut, E., & Sahin, U. (2000). Airborne pollen grains of Burdur, Turkey. Acta Botanica Sinica, 42, 864–867.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bicakci, A., Tosunoglu, A., Altunoglu, M. K., Saatcioglu, G., Keser, A. M., & Ozgokce, F. (2017). An aeropalynological survey in the city of Van, a high altitudinal region, East Anatolia-Turkey. Aerobiologia, 33, 93–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bilisik, A., Bicakci, A., Malyer, H., & Sapan, N. (2008a). Analysis of airborne pollen concentrations in Fethiye-Mugla, Turkey. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 17(6), 640–646.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bilisik, A., Yenigun, A., Bicakci, A., Eliacik, K., Canitez, Y., Malyer, H., & Sapan, N. (2008b). An observation study of airborne pollen fall in Didim (S-W Turkey); in years 2004-2005. Aerobiologia, 24, 61–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Celenk, S., & Bicakci, A. (2005). Aerobiological investigation in Bitlis, Turkey. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 12, 87–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Celenk, S., Canitez, Y., Bicakci, A., Sapan, N. & Malyer, H. (2009). An aerobiological study on pollen grains in the atmosphere of North-West Turkey. 158 (1), 365–380.

  • Celenk, S., Bicakci, A., Tamay, Z., Guler, N., Altunoglu, M. K., Canitez, Y., Malyer, H., Sapan, N., & Ones, U. (2010). Airborne pollen in European and Asian parts of Istanbul. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 164, 391–402.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Çeter, T., Pinar, N. M., Güney, K., Yildiz, A., Aşçı, B., & Smith, M. (2012). A 2-year aeropalynological survey of allergenic pollen in the atmosphere of Kastamonu, Turkey. Aerobiologia, 28, 355–366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charpin, J., Surinyach, R., & Frankland, A. W. (1974). Atlas of European allergenic pollens. Paris: Sandos Editions.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colas, C., Monzón, S., Venturini, M., Lezaun, A., Laclaustra, M., & Lara, S. (2005). Correlation between Chenopodiaceae pollen counts and allergic symptoms in Salsola kali Monosensitized patients. Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology, 15, 254–258.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • D’Amato, G. (1998). Pollen allergy in the Mediterranean area. Revista Portuguesa de Imunoalergologia, 6(2), 96–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • D’amato, G., Spieksma, F. T. M., & Bonini, S. (1991). Allergenic pollen and pollinosis in Europe. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • D’Amato, G., Cecchi, L., Bonini, S., Nunes, C., Annesi-Maesano, I., Behrendt, H., et al. (2007). Allergenic pollen and pollen allergy in Europe. Allergy, 62, 976–990.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damialis, A., Gioulekas, D., Lazopoulou, C., Balafoutis, C., & Vokou, D. (2005). Transport of airborne pollen into the city of Thessaloniki: the effects of wind direction, speed and persistence. International Journal of Biometeorology, 49, 139–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de la Guardia, C. D., Alba, F., Trigo, M. D. M., Galán, C., Ruíz, L., & Sabariego, S. (2003). Aerobiological analysis of Olea europaea L. pollen in different localities of southern Spain. Grana, 42(4), 234–243.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Docampo, S., Recio, M., Trigo, M. M., Melgar, M., & Cabezudo, B. (2007). Risk of pollen allergy in Nerja (southern Spain): a pollen calendar. Aerobiologia, 23, 189–199.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • European Committee for Standardization. Technical Specification CEN/TS 16868:2015. Ambient air. Sampling and analysis of airborne pollen grains and fungal spores for allergy networks. Volumetric Hirst method. Available from: http://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030314080

  • Felice, G. D., Caiaffa, M. F., Bariletto, G., Afferni, C., Paola, R. D., Mari, A., et al. (1994). Allergens of Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) pollen: characterization of the pollen extract and identification of the allergenic components. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 94, 547–555.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frenguelli, G., Tedeschini, E., Veronesi, F., & Bricchi, E. (2002). Airborne pine (Pinus spp.) pollen in the atmosphere of Perugia (Central Italy): behaviour of pollination in the two last decades. Aerobiologia, 18, 223–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galan, C., Infante, F., Ruiz de Clavijo, E., Guerra, F., Miguel, R., & Dominguez, E. (1989). Allergy to pollen grains from Amaranthaceae and Chenopodiaceae in Cordoba, Spain. Annual and daily variation of pollen concentration. Annals of Allergy, 63, 435–438.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Galán, C., Cariñanos, P., García-Mozo, H., Alcázar, P., & Domínguez-Vilches, E. (2001). Model for forecasting Olea europaea L. airborne pollen in South-West Andalusia, Spain. International Journal of Biometeorology, 45, 59–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galán, C., Cariñanos, P., Alcázar, P. & Dominguez-Vilches, E. (2007). Spanish aerobiology network (REA) management and quality manual. Servicio de Publicaciones Universidad de Córdoba. ISBN 978-84-690-6353-8.

  • Garcia-Mozo, H., Dominguez-Vilches, E., & Galán, C. (2007). Airborne allergenic pollen in natural areas: Hornachuelos Natural Park, Cordóba, Southern Spain. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 14, 63–69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giner, M. M., Garcia, J. S. C., & Camacho, C. N. (2002). Seasonal fluctuations of the airborne pollen spectrum in Murcia (SE Spain). Aerobiologia, 18, 141–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gioulekas, D., Balafoutis, C., Damialis, A., Papakosta, D., Gioulekas, G., & Patakas, D. (2004). Fifteen-year records of airborne allergenic pollen and meteorological parameters in Thessaloniki, Greece. International Journal of Biometeorology, 48, 128–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González Minero, F. J., & Candau, P. (1997). Olea europaea airborne pollen in southern Spain. Annals of Allergy, Asthma Immunology, 78, 278–284.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-Minero, F. J., Candau, P., Morales, J., & Tomas, C. (1998). Forecasting olive production based on ten consecutive years of monitoring airborne pollen in Andalusia (southern Spain). Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 69, 201–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green, B. J., Yli-Panula, E., Dettmann, M., Rutherford, S., & Simpson, R. (2003). Airborne Pinus pollen in the atmosphere of Brisbane, Australia and relationships with meteorological parameters. Aerobiologia, 19, 47–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guvensen, A., & Ozturk, M. (2003). Airborne pollen calendar of Izmir-Turkey. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 10, 37–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guvensen, A., Celik, A., Topuz, B., & Ozturk, M. (2013). Analysis of airborne pollen grains in Denizli. Turkish Journal of Botany, 37, 74–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, R. M., & German, D. F. (1985). The incidence of pine pollen reactivity in an allergic atopic population. Annals of Allergy, 55, 678–679.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ianovici, N., Panaitescu, C. B., & Brudiu, I. (2013). Analysis of airborne pollen spectrum for 2009 in Timişoara, Romania. Aerobiologia, 29, 95–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kizilpinar, I., Civelek, E., Tuncer, A., Doğan, C., Karabulut, E., Sahiner, U. M., et al. (2010). Pollen counts and their relationship to meteorological factors in Ankara, Turkey during 2005-2008. International Journal of Biometeorology, 55, 623–631.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levétin, E., & Buck, P. (1980). Hay fever plants in Oklahoma. Annals of Allergy, 45, 26–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liccardi, G., D’Amato, M., & D’Amato, G. (1996). Oleaceae pollinosis: a review. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 111, 210–217.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murioz, F. J., Delgado, J., Palma, J. L., Giménez, M. J., Monteseirín, F. J., & Conde, J. (1995). Airborne contact urticaria due to mulberry (Morus alba) pollen. Contact Dermatitis, 32, 61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papa, G., Romano, A., Quaratino, D., Di Fonso, M., Viola, M., Artesani, M. C., et al. (2001). Prevalence of sensitization to Cupressus sempervirens: a 4 year retrospective study. The Science of the Total Enviroment, 270, 83–87.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peternel, R., Čulig, J., Mitić, B., Vukušić, I., & Sŏstar, Z. (2003). Analysis of airborne pollen concentrations in Zagreb, Croatia, 2002. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 10, 107–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Potoglu Erkara, I. (2008). Concentarations of airborne polen grains in Sivrihisar (Eskişehir), Turkey. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 138, 81–91.

  • Potoğlu Erkara, I., Osoydan, K., & Karataş, M. (2016). Relationship between meteorological factors and airborne pollen grains of Kızıltepe (Mardin), Turkey. Journal of Applied Biological Sciences, 10(1), 33–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Puljak, T., Mamić, M., Mitić, B., Hrga, I., & Hruševar, D. (2016). First aerobiological study in Mediterranean part of Croatia (Dalmatia): pollen spectrum and seasonal dynamics in the air of Split. Aerobiologia, 32, 709–723.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro, H., & Abreu, I. (2014). A 10-year survey of allergenic airborne pollen in the city of Porto (Portugal). Aerobiologia, 30, 333–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro, H., Cunha, M., & Abreu, I. (2003). Airborne pollen concentration in the region of Braga, Portugal, and its relationship with meteorological parameters. Aerobiologia, 19, 21–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro, H., Oliveira, M. & Abreu, I. (2008). Intradiurnal variation of allergenic pollen in the city of Porto (Portugal). Aerobiologia, 24, 173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez-Rajo, F. J., Jato, V., & Aira, M. J. (2003). Pollen content in the atmosphere of Lugo (NW Spain) with reference to meteorological factors (1999-2001). Aerobiologia, 19, 213–225.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahney, M., & Chaurasia, S. (2008). Seasonal variations of airborne pollen in Allahabad, India. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 15(2), 287–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ščevková, J., Dušička, J., Mičieta, K., & Somorčík, J. (2015). Diurnal variation in airborne pollen concentration of six allergenic tree taxa and its relationship with meteorological parameters. Aerobiologia, 31, 457–468.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spieksma, F. T. M. (1991). Regional European pollen calendars. In G. D’Amato, F. T. M. Spieksma, & S. Bonini (Eds.), Allergenic pollen and pollinosis in Europe (pp. 49–65). Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stefanic, E., Rasic, S., Merdic, S., & Colakovic, K. (2007). Annual variation of airborne pollen in the city of Vinkovci, northeastern Croatia. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 14, 97–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Targow, A. M. (1971). The mulberry tree: a neglected factor in respiratory allergy in southern California. Annals of Allergy, 29, 318–322.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tosunoglu, A., & Bicakci, A. (2015). Seasonal and intradiurnal variation of airborne pollen concentrations in Bodrum. SW Turkey. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 187(4), 167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosunoglu, A., Bicakci, A., Malyer, H., & Sapan, N. (2009). Airborne pollen fall in Koycegiz specially protected area (SW Turkey). Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 18(10), 1860–1865.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tosunoglu, A., Yenigun, A., Bicakci, A., & Eliacik, K. (2013). Airborne pollen content of Kuşadası. Turkish Journal of Botany, 37, 297–305.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tosunoglu, A., Altunoglu, M. K., Bicakci, A., Kilic, O., Gonca, T., Yilmazer, I., Saatcioglu, G., Akkaya, A., Celenk, S., Canitez, Y., Malyer, H., & Sapan, N. (2015). Atmospheric pollen concentrations in Antalya, South Turkey. Aerobiologia, 31, 99–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uguz, U., Guvensen, A., & Sengonca Tort, N. (2017). Annual and intradiurnal variation of dominant airborne pollen and the effects of meteorological factors in Çeşme (Izmir, Turkey). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 189, 530.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uguz, U., Guvensen, A., Sengonca Tort, N., Esiz Dereboylu, A., & Baran, P. (2018). Volumetric analysis of airborne pollen grains in the city of Uşak, Turkey. Turkish Journal of Botany, 42, 57–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, D. V., Dykewicz, M. S., Bernstein, D. I., Joann Blessing-Moore, M. D., Linda Cox, M. D., David, A., et al. (2008). The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameters. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 122, 1–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to Mardin Artuklu, University Rectorate, Yusuf Tedik, and Erkan Akpulat for their technical support, and also special thanks to Hakan Tosunoglu for his great contributions about statistical analysis.

Funding

This work entirely funded by a grant of the corresponding author from the Technical and Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK TBAG-212T135).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Science & Arts Faculty, Department of Biology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey

    A. Tosunoglu, S. Bekil, H. Malyer & A. Bicakci

  2. Battalgazi Vocational School, Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Turkey

    G. Saatcioglu

Authors
  1. A. Tosunoglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. G. Saatcioglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. Bekil
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. H. Malyer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. A. Bicakci
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Tosunoglu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tosunoglu, A., Saatcioglu, G., Bekil, S. et al. Atmospheric pollen spectrum in Stone City, Mardin; the northern border of Mesopotamia/SE-Turkey. Environ Monit Assess 190, 635 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-7014-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-7014-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation