Authors : Saleh Al-Quran, Adel H. Abdel-Ghani and Saed J. Owais
Abstract: In this study, pollen grains in the atmosphere of Karak district, Jordan were studied based on the results of 2 years for the period extending from March 2005 to February 2007. Daily and monthly counts were carried out using Burkard volumetric pollen traps. Daily slides were prepared and investigated in 4 periods a day. Dispersal rates and the number of pollen grains per cubic meter were calculated. The maximum daily pollen count was 52,300 and the minimum daily pollen count was zero. The maximum monthly pollen count was 377,015 in March, 2005 and 242, 767 in April 2006 whereas the minimum monthly pollen count was 221 and 123 in August 2005 and December 2006, respectively indicating inter and intra-year variations in pollen counts which attributable to weather conditions especially rainfall fluctuation and distribution during the growing season. Intradiurnal variations in pollen counts were also observed, the pollen dispersal during the 24 h day was highest between 8.00-2.00 pm. Total pollen grains consisted of 62.1% from arboreal plants and 35.9% from non-arboreal plants. Pinus sp., Cupressus sp., Quercus sp., Olea sp., Salix sp., Urticaceae, Calycotome, Moraceae, Rosaceae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Gramineae, Plantago sp. and Rumex sp. released the greatest amounts of pollens in Karak’s atmosphere. Levels of the majority of allergic pollen types peaked in March to May which are usually the worst times of the year for people allergic to pollen in Karak district. Atmospheric pollen concentrations from September to February were less than those in other months.
Saleh Al-Quran, Adel H. Abdel-Ghani and Saed J. Owais, 2011. A Study of Airborne Pollen Grains in Karak, Jordan for the Period Extending from March 2005 to February 2007. Botany Research Journal, 4: 3-12.