D3.143 - Seasonal Patterns of Airborne Pollen in Ecuador: Influence of Wet and Dry Seasons on Allergenic Taxa Concentrations
Background
Outdoor pollen exposure poses significant risks to respiratory health, particularly for individuals with pre-existing allergic conditions. In tropical countries like Ecuador, aerobiology is a growing field. This study seeks to characterize Ecuador's airspora profile by identifying the most abundant pollen taxa, peak flowering periods, and the relationship between pollen patterns and local climatic conditions.
Method
Continuous sampling was conducted from March 9th, 2023, to April 30th, 2024, using Burkard’s 7-day spore trap located in an urban area in the coastal region of Ecuador. Standard NAB protocol was followed for collecting samples. Taxa were classified by allergenicity and pollen type. Seasonal Pollen Integral (SPIn) was calculated as the sum of Daily pollen concentration (DPC) from December to May (wet season) and June to November (dry season). Annual Pollen Integral (APIn) was also obtained. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test used to compare mean pollen between the dry and wet seasons, assessing significant differences (p<0.05).
Results
Pollen from 13 different taxa were identified, among these, Poaceae, Ambrosia sp., Alnus sp. and Acacia sp. were classified as highly allergenic. The most abundant pollen taxon was Poaceae (APIn 338,80 grains/m3) followed by Plumeria rubra (APIn 124,30 grains/year). Poaceae pollen showed the highest concentration in April 2023 (104.9 grains/m3) followed by a second peak in September (74.9 grains/m3). Ambrosia sp. pollen started to increase in September and reached a peak in November with 17.6 grains/m3. Overall, September, October and November (dry season) showed high concentrations of pollen (>100 grains pollen/m3) that declined in December and increased again in April 2024. Dry and wet seasons showed a statistically significant difference in pollen concentration. Students’ t-test in most arboreal pollen types showed a significant (p<0.05) higher mean DPC in the dry season.
Conclusion
Despite the typically stable climate of tropical regions, seasonal patterns in air spora are evident in our area. Preliminary findings suggest that key months for heightened activity are April and September.
