Seasonal variation in airborne pollen concentration in Rohtak city, Haryana, India.

Abstract

One of the major bioparticles responsible for allergic reactions in humans is believed to be pollen grains. Therefore, understanding the season and the frequency of the airborne allergens that patients are exposed to is essential for both diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic illnesses. An aerobiological survey was conducted from March 2023 to February 2024 in order to determine the qualitative and quantitative changes in airborne pollen concentrations of Rohtak city. Air samples were taken at weekly interval, at human height (1.8 meters), using by personal volumetric glass slide sampler. Total 34 different pollen types were identified, with Poaceae, Cannabis, Morus, Parthenium, Chenopod/Amaranth, Artemisia, Myrtaceae and Achyranthes being the main contributors. Ninety percent of the overall pollen load came from ten different pollen types. There were two main pollen seasons observed annually (March–April and July–October) however, pollen grains were identified at low frequencies throughout the entire year. There were also differences in sites with the sites bordered by dense vegetation showing higher pollen burdens. For the purpose of accurately diagnosing and treating respiratory allergic illnesses, the study will provide local allergologists preliminary but helpful data.