Aeropalynological survey of airborne pollen grains at different sites in Rohtak city

Abstract

Over 20–30% of people worldwide are known to have one or more allergy conditions, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. The main culprits are dust mites, pollen grains, fungal spores, insect waste and various plant fragments and food items. To effectively diagnose and treat allergy illnesses, a thorough understanding of the seasonal variations in various bioparticulates in the atmosphere is necessary. An aerobiological investigation for airborne pollen grains was carried out for a year (March 2023- Feb 2024) at human height in order to determine the aerial concentration at four distinct locations inside the city of Rohtak. To sample the air, a Burkard Personal Volumetric Sampler for slide exposures was utilised. A total 34 different species of pollen have been identified with simultaneous slide exposure. The largest contributors to the thirty-four pollen types that were recorded include Poaceae, Cannabis, Morus, Parthenium, Chenopod/Amaranth, Artemisia, Myrtaceae and Achyranthes. Pollen grains were observed throughout the year at low frequencies, although two main pollen seasons were noted (March–April and July–October). There were variations among the sites as well, with the sites with lush vegetation surrounding them exhibiting higher pollen loads. The project will give local allergologists preliminary but useful data to assist diagnose and treat respiratory allergy diseases effectively.