Effects of meteorological parameters and plant distribution on Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, Quercus and Olea airborne pollen concentrations in the atmosphere of Cartagena (Spain)

We have studied the effects of various meteorological parameters and plant distribution on the airborne concentrations of three different pollen types: Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, Quercus and Olea, in the city of Cartagena, situated in Southwest Europe. The aerobiological study has been carried out from March 1993 to March 1997, using a Hirst-type Lanzoni 2000 trap, situated on the roof of the city train station. Meteorological data were supplied by the Environmental Service of Cartagena's Town Hall. Daily pollen concentrations were standardised. Correlation analysis showed the importance of meteorological data on airborne pollen concentrations. On the other hand, ANOVA analyses depicted the influence of vegetation distribution in relation to sampler location and wind directions. Finally, multiple regression analyses allowed us to develop correlation models for the three different pollen types considered, accounting for 32% (Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae), 19% (Quercus), and 26% (Olea) of the variation in the airborne pollen concentration.