Airborne pollen calendar of Izmir - Turkey

A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of pollen concentration in the atmosphere of Izmir metropolitan area is presented. Investigations were undertaken from November 1998 to October 1999 using gravimetric method. The aeroplynological studies revealed that at lower level (1.60 m) pollen from 29 woody and 30 herbaceous taxa were determined, whereas at higher level (20 m) pollen from 26 woody and 24 herbaceous taxa were recorded. At lower level, dominating woody species were Pinus, Quercus, Oleaceae, Cupressaceae/Taxaceae; herbaceous species were Gramineae, Chenopodiaceae/ Amaranthaceae, Cruciferae and Plantago. At higher level, Pinus, Cupressaceae/ Taxaceae, Gramineae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Cruciferae and Plantago pollens were dominant. Morus, Oleaceae, Quercus, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Gramineae and Plantago showed highest concentration and their allergic degree was very high. Annual pollen calendar of the area is shown.