Airborne pollen of Brisbane, Australia: A five-year record, 1994 - 1999

Abstract

. The seasonal incidence of pollen in the atmosphere of Brisbane has been established from a near ± continuous, volumetric trapping program over the ve-year period, July 1994 ± June 1999. Grass pollen accounts for 71.6% of the average annual pollen load with highest densities (up to 150 grains/m 3 ) recorded in summer and autumn. Signi cant contributions were also made by taxa of the Cupressaceae (8.7%) and Urticaceae (1.8%) during spring and of the Pinaceae (4.5%) during winter. Pollen seasons of the Casuarinaceae (6.5%) and Myrtaceae (3.2%) are more extended, the former peaking in late winter and the latter in late spring. The onset and duration of the Poaceae and Urticaceae seasons varied from year to year, being later when precipitation levels were low in the late spring ± early summer months.Total pollen numbers and grass pollen densities are substantially less than those recorded from southern Australia. Nevertheless, respiratory disease in Brisbane affects up to 10% of the population, and airborne pollen of Poaceae, Urticaceae, Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, and Myrtaceae have been implicated in the release of allergens.

Assessment of airborne Asteraceae pollen in Brisbane, Australia

“…The survey began in June 1994 and was completed in May 1999 (Green et al 2002). Although no new aerobiological data have been collected since 1999, comparisons with earlier aerometric surveys by Moss (1965) demonstrated major pollen sources to have similar seasonal intervals (Green et al 2002).…”

“…The survey began in June 1994 and was completed in May 1999 (Green et al 2002). Although no new aerobiological data have been collected since 1999, comparisons with earlier aerometric surveys by Moss (1965) demonstrated major pollen sources to have similar seasonal intervals (Green et al 2002). The Burkard trap was calibrated to continuously sample air at 10 l per minute, and the atmospheric particulate matter was deposited onto tapes coated with a thin film of Dow Corning pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive (280A).…”

“…The vegetation around the trapping site consisted of dry sclerophyll Eucalyptus forest with an understory of Poaceae and other herbaceous species. Surrounding creeks and rivers are composed of riparian communities as previously described (Green et al 2002). In addition to indigenous perennial species, surrounding urban and industrial areas are also vegetated by various indigenous and non-indigenous Asteraceae species.…”

“…1). The geographic region is classified as a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 25.9°C and an average yearly rainfall of 1,114.6 mm as previously described (Green et al 2002). Prevailing winds are mainly from the southeast between November and March and from the northwest to southwest between April and October (Green et al 2002).…”

“…Elevation of the site was 12.5 m above sea level, and the sampling apparatus was located 2.5 m above ground as previously described (Green et al 2002). The vegetation around the trapping site consisted of dry sclerophyll Eucalyptus forest with an understory of Poaceae and other herbaceous species.…”