Allergenic urban flora and airborne pollen in the air of Diamante (Argentina). / Flora alergógena urbana y polen atmosférico de Diamante (Argentina). ID 59 03-14

LATORRE, F. & SÁNCHEZ, A.A.

ARCHIVOS DE ALERGIA E INMUNOLOGIA CLINICA

ARCH ALERGIA & INMUNOLOGIA CLIN

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2011 vol. 42 p. 15 - 23

1515-9825

ABSTRACT Airborne pollen produces rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma, leading to a decreased quality of life. In general, the most abundant vegetation species are also present in greater amounts in the pollen spectrum. However, this relationship can vary depending on the proximity of the sources and the plant reproductive strategy. This work was carried out in Diamante city (Entre Ríos, Argentina). Abundance, diversity, territorial distribution, type of pollination, and allergenic potential of vegetation were analyzed to finally assess the relationship with the pollen recorded in the atmosphere during one annual cycle. A volumetric and continuous aerobiological method under international protocols was used to sample the airborne pollen. It was observed that urban vegetation is diverse. Families more abundant in vegetation have insect-pollinated species as representatives: Tabebuia  impetiginosa and Tecoma stans. On the other hand, 34% of the trees corresponded to wind-pollinated families. The trees near the aerobiological sampler (within local and extralocal areas) were the main pollen sources contributing to the atmospheric pollen spectrum, especially those wind-pollinated tree species as Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Ulmus procera and Broussonetia papyrifera. Pollen from wind-pollinated species is  most likely  to be allergenic and so, potentially harmful to health. The results are important not only to adjust the aerobiological model of the city, but also  as a basis to  plan urban forest.