a study of airborne pollen grains in amman, jordan

Grana 26: 231-238, 1987

A study of airborne pollen grains in Amman, Jordan

DAWUD AL-EISAWI and BASIM DAJANI

AI-Eisawi, D. & Dajani, B. 1987. A study of airborne pollen grains in Amman, Jordan. - Grana 26:231-238, 1987. Uppsala 10 December 1987. ISSN 0017-3134.

Aerobiology in Jordan has been investigated for the first time during the past few years. Using a Burkard Volumetric pollen trap, daily slides were prepared and studied. Daily and monthly counts for two consecutive years were carried out (July 1982-June 1984). Dispersal rates in four periods a day were calculated as well as the number of pollen grains per cubic metre. The maximum daily pollen count was 73 319 and the minimum daily pollen count was zero, whilst the maximum monthly pollen count was 370 181 in hlarch 1984 and the minimum monthly pollen count w a s 565 in December 1983. Pollen dispersal during the 24 hour day was highest between 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m. It was observed that the results obtained mostly correlate with the rainy and dry days.

Dawitd Al-Eisawi, Department of Biological Sciences, Facitlty of Science, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; Basim Dajani. Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

(Manitscript received 3 December 1985, revised version accepted I1 July 1956)

The aerobiology of Jordan, especially from the pollen count aspect has never, as far as we know, been studied before. However, a few studies have been made in neighbouring countries. Gutmann (1950) studied hay fever in Palestine. Kessler (1953), 1954, 1958) surveyed airborne pollen and mould spores in Israel. Parag et al. (1957) and Feinbrun et al. (1959) studied the atmospheric pollen of Jerusalem. Saad (1958~1, 6) studied pollen grains and fungal spores in Alexandria, Egypt and investigated the deposits in relation to weather conditions. Horowitz et al. (1975) have studied the palynological contents of dust storms in Israel. Davies (1969) studied the concentration of spores in Al-Ahmadi, Kuwait. Halwagy & Halwagy (1984) studied the seasonal distribution of pollen grains in the atmosphere of Kuwait. Similar studies have been made in different parts of the world, e.g. Davies et al. (1963), Nilsson 6r Praglowski (1974), Spieksma (1983) and others.

This study represents the first investigation in the Amman area (the capital of J o r d a n t t h e most pop- ulous place in the country where almost 3 5 4 0 % of the total population.lives. Many patients with seasonal rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma have been reported to the University of Jordan Hospital and a high proportion of these cases are postulated to

have been caused by pollen allergens, as shown by prick tests with pollen extracts. The aim of this work has been to give an idea about the atmospheric pollution caused by pollen, to find out the concentration of the pollen in the atmosphere expressed by the number of pollen grains per cubic metre of air, to find out the principal time of the year for pollen dispersal, to correlate the pollen dispersal during the year with the development of allergic symptoms and, finally, to identify the trapped pollen grains and to ascertain whether they are allergenic or not.

MATERIALS AND METHODS An automatic volumetric Burkard pollen trap w a s used in this study. It m s adjusted so that 10 I of air per minute passed through the trap. This was checked weekly. The trap was placed on the roof of the Biological Sciences Department building about 12 m from the ground, at the University of Jordan, Al-Jubaiha, Amman. The site of Amman and the surrounding residential areas are topo- graphically very uneven and the city is mainly a group of hills with varying contour levels as are the site of the trap and the University. Therefore the height of the trap can- not be used as a factor affecting the natural results of pollen distribution and dissemination. Daily slides from weekly ribbon strips were prepared (Hirst 1952) and ex-

Grana 26

232

Table I. hloritlily niaxitriiini, t~iitiiniiit?i atid meat1 daily pollen coiints iti riirniber atid per cubic metre for the period Jitly 1982-Jirrie 1984

D . Al-Eisawi attd B . Dajarii

hlax. daily count hlin. daily count Mean daily count Total

hlonth No. /m3 No. Im3 No. I m3 count

1982 July August September October November December

January February hlarch April hlay June July August September October November December

January February hlarch April hlay June

1983

1984

175 I5 245 17 315 22 98 7 63 4 98 7

728 51 1484 98

12 803 889 10 411 723 2 725 189

792 55 143 10 66 4.6

201 14 265 ' 18.4 211 19.2 86 6

22 1 15.3 27 349 1900 73 319 5084 4 253 295 I591 110.5

338 23.5

- - 1 - - - - 7

639 I66 43 24

5 23 19 6 3

3 16

597 88

264 124

-

- - 0.5 - - - - 0.5 - 44 11.5 3 1.7 0.3 1.6 1.3 0.4 0.2

0.2 1.1

41.5 6

18.3 8.6

46 75 64 29 19 21

75 153

1 925 2 874

711 165 66 36 67.5 76.5 59.5 18.2

25.3 3 950

12 339.4 1 115

766 198.5

3 5 4 2 I I .5

5 11

134 200 50 11.5 4.6 2.5 4.7 5.3 4.1 I .3

2 274.3 851 77.5 53 13.78

1 365 2 247 1925

889 567 644

2 422 4 284

59 675 86 225 22 235 4 950 2 036 I 118 1 824 2 372 1785

565

785 114 540 370 181 33 460 23 747 5 955

amined. The total daily pollen counts as well as monthly counts were calculated. The day mas divided into four periods to find out the time of maximum dispersal during the day. The four periods were taken as PI: 3.00 a.m.-9.00 a.m., P,: 9.00 a.m.-3.00 pm. , P,: 3.00 p.m.-9.00p.m.andP4:9.00p.m.-3.00a.m.

Atmospheric pollen counts have been carried out in Jordan since 1980, but full records have not been obtained at first due to some technical difficulties. However, records of two full years, July 1982-June 1984, have been used in this study. Daily and monthly pollen counts have been expressed as the number of pollen grains per cubic metre of air.

All calculations were made for each year separately, then for the two years together, to show annual variation and to give a more accurate result to the study.

RESULTS

Daily pollen coiitifs (Figs. 1 , 2 , 3) The daily counts are expressed as maximum and minimum daily counts per month. Mean daily counts were calculated by dividing the total daily counts per month over the number of days per month.

During the period between July 1982-June 1983 the maximum daily count was 12803 pollen in March and the minimum daily count was zero for seven months, mainly during late summer and early winter.

During the period between July 1983-June 1984 and also in March the maximum daily count was 73319 and the minimum daily count was 3 in both December and January. The maximum, and minimum mean values of daily counts during the month are shown in Table I.

hfoorithly totnl coiitifs (Figs. 4. 5 , 6 ) The daily counts are summed up and expressed as monthly counts to show the pattern of pollen dispersal especially during the month of highest and lowest dispersal.

During the period between July 1982-June 1983 the maximum monthly count was 86225 in April, and the minimal monthly count in November was 567.

During the period between July 1983-June 1984

Grana 26

Airborne pollen grains of Anirnari 233

Table 11. hlean total tnotitlily pollen dispersal iti 6 horrr intervals each dny for the period Jirly 1982- Jirtie 1984. The day is divided into 4 periods PI: 3.00 a.m. -9.00 a.m. P2: 9.00 a.m. -3.00 p.m. P3: 3.00 p.m. -9.00 p.m. P4: 9.00 p.m. -3.00 a.m.

PI p2 p3 P4

hlonth Total hlean Total hiean Total hfean Total hlean

1982 July August September October November December

January February hlarch April May June July August September October November December

January February March April May June

1983

1984

317 10 554 18 387 13 84 3 84 3

105 3

966 31 1 624 58

13 358 43 I 26 401 880 4 552 I65 1221 41

438 14 248 8 202 7 622 20 304 10 154 5

84 3 48 082 I658 77 690 2 506 10 029 334 5 039 I63 1 171 39

477 918 604 392 24 5 252

742 1435

10 753 34 954 8 966 1936

930 524

1012 926 754 I84

303 34 308

155 970 11 538 8 655 2 183

16 30 20 13 8 8

24 51

347 1 165

289 65 30 17 34 30 25 6

10 1 183 5 031

385 279 73

289 429 499 245 147 1 I9

343 581

14 341 10 992 5 185 I002

463 238 428 390 468 115

272 9 930

48 258 7 702 6 107 I 654

9 14 17 8 5 4

11 21

463 366 167 33 15 8

14 13 16 4

9 342

1556 257 197 55

282 316 435 I68 91

I68

37 I 644

21 223 13 878 3 532

79 I 211 108 182 434 259 I12

126 22 220 88 255 4 191 3 946

949

9 10 I5 5 3 5

12 23

685 463 114 26 7 3 6

14 9 4

4 766

2 847 140 I27 32

the maximum daily count was 370181 in hlarch, and the minimal daily count was 365 in December (see Table I).

Monthly fluctuation can easily be observed on the graphs and on Tables I and 11. This also reflects the fluctuations in the daily pollen counts. General- ly, in Jordan the months with the largest pollen dispersal are March, April and part of May. Then the pollen counts decrease gradually until they be- come lowest in autumn and early winter. During the summer, although it is the driest part of the year, a reasonable amount of pollen is still found due to plants which mainly belong to the family Chenopo- diaceae.

Coiints per crrbic tiiefre of air (Figs. 7, 8, 9) The pollen counts expressed here are results of calculating the pollen concentration in the air by the number of pollen grains per cubic metre of atmospheric air.

During the period July 1982-June 1983 the maxi-

mum mean daily pollen per cubic metre was 200 plm’, in April, and the minimum mean daily pollen per cubic metre in November was 1 p/m3. (Figs. 1, 7).

During the period July 1983-June 1984 the maximum mean daily pollen per cubic metre was 857 p/m3, in hlarch, and the minimum mean daily pollen per cubic metre was 1.3 p/m3, in December. When data from the two years were put together, hlarch still had the largest pollen concentrations (Figs. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 , 9).

Daily poleti dispersal (Figs. 10, 11, 12) Pollen dispersal during a 24-hour day has been studied for four periods each day, to find out the maximum time of pollen dispersal per day during the month and the whole year.

Results of the periods July 1982-June 1983, July 1983-June 1984 and the mean values of the total year show that the maximum daily pollen dispersal was (in the period Pz), from 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m.

Grana 26

234 D. Al-Eisawi and B . Dojani

73 3c

g 120( . C

m

.- m 5 1001 - - 0

0

a L

$ 801

60

4 0

2 0

- Maximum

---- Mean

...... Minimum

43 000 i 14 000

12 000

b ? .s 10000 C

W

C m - - . n z 8000 d z

6 ooa

4 ooc

2 OO(

- Maximum

---- Mean

....... Minimum

2

3

Gram 26

Airborne pollen grflirts of Aniriiarl 235

240

L -

- W ~ - Z O C < 2 d S z " d , , - " $ $ <

Fig. 5 . hlonthly total pollen counts for the period July 1983-June 1984.

which is of course the hottest period of the day (the sun usually rises between 5 and 6.30 a.m. throughout the year). Period PI from 3.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. was the second, followed by the P4 from 9.00 p.m. to 3.00 a.m.

The pollen dispersal was lowest during the third period, 3.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. The results are illus-

Fig. 1 . Maximum, minimum and mean daily pollen counts for the period July 1982-June 1983. Fig. 2. Maximum, minimum and mean daily pollen counts for the period July 1983-June 1984. Fig. 3. hfaximum, minimum and mean daily pollen counts for the period July 1982-June 1984. Fig. 4 . Monthly total pollen counts for the period July 1982-June 1983.

Fig. 6 . Monthly total mean pollen counts for the period July.1982-June 1984.

trated in the small annual graphs associated with montly graphs (Figs. 10, 11, 12).

hlonthly observations which were recorded as the maximum dispersal, fluctuate from one period to another (Figs. 10, 11, 12, Table 11).

1 ra

? 200 E - 2 . 5 160 8 : 120

g 80

a c m

40

Fig. 7 . Daily mean pollen counts per cubic metre per day of atmospheric air each month for the period July 1982-June 1983.

Grana 26

236 D. AI-Eisawi arid B . Dnjarii

880

840

800

-

- -

520

480

440

4M)

350 : . "6 320 . c - 8 180

g 240- 0 - - c rn

5 200

160

i

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

I -1 I

z z ; g p ; E $ g 4 : : a -

Fig. 8. Daily mean pollen counts per cubic metre of atmospheric air each month for the period July 1983-June 1983.

400

> < 3G0

E E 320 0

2 280 0 D

3 2co

200

DISCUSS I ON

Studies in aerobiology usually include pollen or fungal spore dispersal as shown by the common report data from a single station. In this study the pollen dispersal observed from a single station in Amman is reported. Vegetation and thus pollen

- - -

- -

-

160

120

80

43 I -

-

-

-

- m m - > Y c < < 3 g q g q $ g 5 E ;

Fig. 9. Daily mean pollen counts per cubic metre of atmospheric air each month for the period July 1982-June 1984.

dispersal may vary from one part of the country to another. Thus our data may not be applicable t o the desert part of the country. But the desert is sparse- ly populated and data on pollen dispersal from there may not be as important clinically, as data from densely populated areas such as Amman.

Fig. 10. Total dispersal counts in each month for the period July 1982-June 1983. The day is divided into 4 periods; viz. PI. P2, P,, pa.

Grana 26

Airborne polleti grains of Amiiat i 237

f: 1500

E 2 1400

‘D

C

._

6 1200 - 0 -

6 1000 0

: 800 - 600

f 2000 - E . .E 1800 - 5 1 W O - LD

- 0 - 0 1400 - C - 2 1 2 0 0 - b

1000 -

- 2 c 800 6 700

- 6 6oo

8 500 0 2 300

- -

- B 400

- : 2oo

- s - : 100

-

700

600 ,” 500

400

B 200 - 100 c

P,: 3.00a.rn.-9.00a.m. P I : 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m. P.: 3.00 p.rn.400 p.m. P.: 9.00 p m.3.00 a rn.

Mean total dispersal counts for The period July 1983-Jun.z 1984

7 200

L A-- - - - Jul Aug Sep Oct N O ~ Dec Jan

Fig. 11. hIean total dispersal counts in each month for the period July 1983-June 1984. The day is divided into4 periods; viz. PI, P2, P,, Pd.

Feb Mar Apr May Jun

The fact that maximum pollen dispersal is in spring, is not surprising. This correlated well with clinical observations of increased pollinosis during this season. However. it is important to note that pollen counts persisted all through summer and early fall. This is in contrast with the fact that there

4001 200

PI: 3 00 a.m.-9.00 a.m. P,: 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m. Pa: 3.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. P.: 9.00 p.m.-3.00 a.m.

I ------ - Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

is no rainfall during these months. Clinical observations in relation to pollen dispersal in summer and fall is necessary, since the plant species concerned are different from those that are flowering in spring.

It is clear from data on dispersal of ragweed pollen that the highest counts are usually observed

Fig. 12. Mean total dispersal counts in each month for the period July 1982-June 1984. The day is divided into 4 periods; viz. PI , Pi, P3, Pa.

May Jun

Ginnu 26

238 D. Al-Eisnwi atid B . Dajatii

between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. (Heise & Heise 1948, Solomon 1984). This is due to the heating effect of the sun and the rise of hot air. Our results were similar but not to the same degree. This was true regardless of the month concerned. This differ- ence in the magnitude of the periodicity can be explained by the fact that the variation in tempera- lute and humidity through a 24 hour day in this and area is not as high as it is in the northern herni- sphere.

Studies are in progress to separate the different pollen species of the vegetation flowering at different times of the year, as well as in clinical correla- tion with specific pollen allergens in Amman.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work \{as carried out as a collaborative project between B. D. from the Department of Internal hledicine, School of hledicine and D. E. from the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science at the University of Jordan, Amman.

Preliminary results of this study were reported to the twelfth Congress of the European Academy of allergology and Clinical Immunology, Rome in September 1983 (Al- Eisawi & Dajani 1983).

The authors would like to thank the University of Jor- dan for their financial support for this project. Thanks are due to Professor V. II. Heywood for the use of the Department of Botany, facilities during the preparation of this manuscript. The final editing of this work by Dr J. Akeroyd is much appreciated.

REFERENCES Al-Eisawi, D. hi. 1985. Vegetation in Jordan. - In: Ha-

didi, A.: Studies in the history and archeology of Jordan. 11, pp. 45-57. - 358 pp. Department of Antiq- uities, Amman.

Al-Eisawi, D. hi. & Dajani, B. hi. 1983. Aerobiology: Pollen counts study in Jordan. Proc. XI1 Congr. Eur. Acad. Allergol. Clin. Immunol, Rome, September 1983. Abstr.

Davies, R. R. 1969. Spore concentration in the atmosphere at Ahmadi, a new town in Kuwait. - J. Gen. hlicrobiol. 5k425-432.

Davies, R. R., Denny, hi. J. & Newton, L. hi. 1963. A comparison between the summer and autumn air spores in London and Liverpool. - Acta Allerg.

Feinbrun, N.. Rahat, T. & Tas, J . 1959. Further studies in atmospheric pollen in Jerusalem. -Bull. Res. Counc. Israel 8D: 3 1 3 0 .

Gutmann. hi. J. 1950. Hay fever in Palestine. - Ann. Allergy 8: 345-349, 381.

Halu-agy, hi. & Halu-agy, R. 1984. Seasonal distribution

18: 131-147.

of pollen grains in the atmosphere of Kuwit . -Pollen Spores 26: 201-216.

Heise, H. A. & Heise, E. R. 1938. The distribution of Ragweed pollen and Alternoria spores in the upper atmosphere. - J . Allergy 19~403.

Hirst, J. hl. 1952. An automatic volumetric spore trap. - Ann. Appl. Biol. 39: 257-265.

Horowitz. A., Weinstein, hi. & Ganor, E. 1975. Palyno- logical determination of dust storms provenances in Israel. - Pollen Spores 17: 223-231.

Kessler, A. 1953. Survey of air-borne pollen and fungus spores in Israel, 1951-52. - Ann. Allergy 1 1 : 322-328.

Kessler, A. 1954. Survey of air-borne pollen and mould spores in Israel, 1953. - Ann. Allergy 12: 261-262.

Kessler, A. 1958. Survey of air-borne pollen and mould spores in Israel, 1954-55. -Ann. Allergy 16: 445450.

Nilsson, S. & Praglowski, J. 1974. Pollen and spore incidence and phenology in the Stockholm area during 1972. - Grana 14: 78-84.

Parag, Y . , Feinbrun, N. & Tas, J. 1957. Study in atmospheric pollen in Jerusalem in 1953-54. - Bull. Res. Counc. Israel, 6D: 5-17.

Saad, S. I. 1 9 5 8 ~ . Studies in atmospheric pollen grains and fungus spores at Alexandria. I . A daily census of pollen. - Egypt. J . Bot. I: 53-61.

Saad, S. I. 19586. Studies in atmospheric pollen'grains and fungus spores at Alexandria. 11. Pollen and spore deposition in relation to weather conditions and diur- nal variation in the incidence of pollen. - Egypt. J. Bot. 1:53-61.

Solomon, W. R. 1983. Aerobiology of pollinosis. - J . All. & Clin Imm. 74: 449461.

Spieksma, F. Th. hi. 1983. Air-borne pollen concentrations in Leiden, The Netherlands, 1977-1981. - Grana 22: 119-128.

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a study of airborne pollen grains in amman, jordan

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