Identification of airborne pollens in Delhi

Abstract

Aims: To quantify and identify the pollen grains in the atmosphere of Delhi. Settings and Design: The study was conducted at the National Centre of Respiratory Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI), University of Delhi, Delhi, India. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted for 2 months at VPCI, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi. Pollen grains were collected on a daily basis using 24-h Burkard (UK) volumetric air sampler. Trapped pollen film was stained with a fuchsin stain that is protected with a cover slip and examined under a light microscope. Identification was done with the help of manuals for pollen identification. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was done by Microsoft Excel 2007. Results: In this study period (April and May 2017), a total of 10,858/m3 pollens were counted; of these, 7758/m3 pollens of 34 species of trees, weeds, and grasses were identified. Overall, Juniper sp. (1385/m3) pollen of tree was found to be the most dominant pollen, followed by Cannabis sativa (726/m3), Pooideae grasses (e.g. Poa sp., Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata) (654/m3), Cynodon dactylon (509/m3), Amaranthus sp. (506/m3), Artemisia sp. (460/m3), Cassia sp. (447/m3), Chenopodium album (412/m3), Helenium autumnale (381/m3), and Parthenium (301/m3). Juniper sp. (1310/m3) pollens in April 2017 and C. sativa (421/m3) pollens in May 2017 have shown their dominance. Conclusions: In our study, various pollens of different plant species were counted and identified in this short study period. The common pollens found were Juniper sp., C. sativa, Pooideae grasses (e.g. Poa sp., Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata), C. dactylon, Amaranthus sp., C. album, H. autumnale, Parthenium, and Artemisia sp. in 2 months. This short study may be helpful for the respiratory allergic patients to protect themselves by pollens.

Keywords

• Airborne pollen
• identification
• respiratory allergy