Analysis of airborne pollen fall in Balikesir, Turkey, 1996-1997

In this study, pollen grains were identified by use of Durham sampler in the atmosphere of Balikesir in 1996 and 1997. During these two years, a total of 17,256 pollen grains per cm(2) were recorded. A total of 8,576 pollen grains per cm(2) were identified in 1996 and a total of 8,680 pollen grains per cm(2) in 1997. Pollen fall in the years 1996-1997 comprised grains belonging to 50 taxa and unidentified pollen grains. Of these 50 taxa, 30 belonged to arboreal and 20 to non-arboreal plants. Total pollen grains consisted of 70.92% grains from arboreal plants, 24.87% grains from non-arboreal plants and 4.21% unidentified pollen grains. In the region investigated, Pinus spp., Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Gramineae, Platanus spp., Quercus spp., Olea spp., Salix spp., Urticaceae, Moraceae, Plantago spp., Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Ailanthus spp., Juglans spp., Carpinus spp. and Rosaceae released the greatest amounts of pollens. During the study period, the pollen fall reached its highest level in May.