Chapter 5

1

Discussion

The concentration and diversity of airspora generally varies with changes in

meteorological conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind velocity.

These environmental conditions are known to impact on the quality and quantity of airspora with

the surrounding vegetation and flowering period (Cadman et al., 1994). Each pollen type may

respond differently in different meteorological conditions to have a definite pollen count (Rao,

1992). McCartney (1994) opined that the dispersal of aerobiological particles is the result of

complex interactions between biological and physical factors. The effects of biological factors

may differ between species and location but the physical mechanism of dispersal is the same for

all the particles. According to More and Tilak (2009), different meteorological parameters such

as relative humidity, temperature and rainfall have a profound impact on the incidence and

percentage contribution of aeromicrobiota, leading to seasonal variations.

Studies on airspora are essential for better understanding of overall composition of the

atmosphere and its application in various fields. In the present investigation, an effort has been

made to assess the components of air in Panaji and surrounding areas in Goa for the first time.

The survey of airspora generally reflects both the natural and cultivated vegetational complex. In

the present study, air sampling was done in localities which had both natural and cultivated

vegetations. The results obtained during the study period of two years revealed a range of

airborne pollen grains and fungal spores, in different concentrations.

Pollen:

Miramar and Altinho

The sampling at Miramar and Altinho sites was done every day, continuously for two

years. Miramar, which is at sea level, has sand-dune vegetation and various types of trees, shrubs

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and herbs along the roadside and unoccupied areas. Altinho, located at a height of 58m above

mean sea level and at a distance of about 2.07 lcm from Miramar, has roadside seasonal as well

as perennial vegetation, besides a range of flowering garden plants. Sampling at these two sites

was done every day for two years and the weather parameters considered refer to these two sites

only. From the results, it is clear that distinct seasonality was observed in the concentration of

pollen grains at both the sites. It has been said that the microclimate and density of the vegetation

have impact on decrease or increase in the annual total count of airspora at different centres

(Abraham, 1988). Jarai-Komlodi and Madzihradzky (1994) were of the opinion that the pollen

dispersion may be influenced by a number of internal (physical, phyto-ontogenical and

anthobiological) and external (meteorological) factors, varying from year to year.

At Miramar, pre-monsoon season recorded maximum pollen density followed by post-

monsoon and monsoon in the first year whereas monsoon season recorded maximum density in

the second year followed by post-monsoon and pre-monsoon. Pollen density and diversity

differed each year. A total of 370360 pollen grains were trapped in the first year whereas pollen

grains in the second year of sampling were 10143. The first year recorded 9 types of pollen

grains and was 7 in the second year. Poaceae dominated the assemblage in both the years (see

Table 2 and Table 3).

At Altinho, the seasonality was similar to Miramar except in the second year where post-

monsoon recorded the rninimum catch. The total catch of pollen was 387700 and 115077 during

the first and the second years respectively. First year recorded 10 types of pollen grains whereas

it was 8 in the second year. Poaceae dorninated the assemblage in both the years (see Table 6 and

Table 7).

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The number of pollen grains trapped in the first year was more than those in the second

year at both the sites. Such variations in the year-wise catch of pollen are said to be common.

During the interim period, especially in the second year of study, many trees and shrubs were cut

and herbs and grass uprooted for road widening and it is possible that this might have resulted in

the reduced amount of airspora in the air. Human activities such as elimination and pruning of

lowering plants in the vicinity can bring about variation in the pollen count (Gabarra et al.,

2002). The microclimate and density of the vegetation has a role in the decrease or increase in

annual total count of airspora at different centres (Abraham, 1988). Meteorological conditions

are known to govern the quantity and quality of airspora (Singh et al., 1988).

Distinct seasonality was observed in the pollen counts. The maximum density of pollen

was found in either monsoon or pre-monsoon season. Maximum pollen density in dry season of

pre-monsoon might be due to increase in temperature and dry spell. Warm and dry season is said

to stimulate flowering and dehiscence of anthers (Solomon, 1979). Rebeiro and Abreu (2003)

working on airborne pollen concentration in the region of Braga, Portugal, found that airborne

pollen concentration was positively correlated with temperature. Rizzi-Longo et al. (2005) also

found that daily pollen concentrations fluctuated positively with temperature and that pollen

count decreased with heavy rainfall. The present study corroborates with these findings, evident

especially in the pollen count for the month of July 2005 at both sites (Altinho and Miramar)

when the rainfall was very heavy.

Pollen density was less during the heavy monsoon (especially in July) in first year at both

sites because the rainfall washed away the pollen from the atmosphere. Inverse relationship of

airborne pollen with relative humidity and rainfall was reported by many workers lilce Hyde

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(1969) from Britain, Street and Hamburger (1976) from California, Anand and Agashe (1981),

Agashe and Chatterjee (1987), Agashe and Alfadil (1989) from Bangalore. Rainfall has a

scrubbing effect on the airborne pollen and the rain drops wash down the airborne pollen and

greatly deplete the atmosphere of its content (Rao, 1992). McDonald (1980) opined that heavy

rains may delay the stamens to open and may suppress pollen dispersion. Rao (1992) opined that

under humid conditions airborne pollen grains become moist and also tend to clump together,

resulting in increased rate of fall and hence enhanced rate of removal from the atmosphere. Riera

et al. (2002) also recorded a negative correlation between number of days with rainfall and

number of days with pollinosis. Rodriguez-Rajo et al. (2003) observed negative correlation with

rainfall. Positive correlation with temperature and wind direction was recorded by Rebeiro et al.

(2003) with Pinus pollen at Braga, Portugal. The low density of pollen in the present study

during periods of heavy rainfall corroborates these findings. It may be noted that as the rains

stopped the density of pollen increased. Both the sites, however, showed maximum density of

pollen during monsoon season in the second year. This is in agreement with Kapyla and

Korviklco (1975) who recorded positive correlation between rainfall and Artimisia and Urtica

pollen when data across all 12 months of annual sampling is considered. Gabarra et al. (2002)

explained that the interannual variation of Platanu pollen could not only be due to

meteorological conditions but also due to human activity such as elimination, pruning and

watering of vegetation. Rao (1992) pointed out that each pollen type may respond differently in

different meteorological parameters. Thus, occurrence of maximum density in the second year of

our study may be due to some other factor.

The pollen grains of Poaceae dominated the assemblage throughout the study period of

two years, contributing 85 to 99% of the pollen catch. The other pollens, namely of Peltophrum 109

pterocarpum, Amaranthus spinosus and Acacia auriculifonnis, were negligible. However, on one

occasion they contributed to 15% of the total. There was certainly over dominance of Poaceae.

Poaceae pollen in India has been reviewed by Chaturvedi et al. (1992) and he has reported the

highest percentage from Aurangabad (80.64%), Bhavnagar (70.26%) and Raipur (66.73%), all in

central India. Devadoss et al. (1994) reported Poaceae pollen to be ubiquitous round the year in

Madras. Datta and Jain (1994) found out that Poaceae pollen was highest in Gwalior. The

dominance of Poaceae pollen in the intramural environment was also reported by Morje (1997)

in the mill areas of Mumbai. Rodriguez-Rajo et al. (2003) recorded that Poaceae pollen

represents highest percentage in the total pollen identified at Lugo (Spain). Thus the dominance

of Poaceae recorded in our study corroborates well with the studies undertaken elsewhere in

India and abroad.

ICAR

The sampling at ICAR Complex, Old Goa, was done once in a month for two years. The

density of pollen grains was 20836 during 2005-06 and 12205 in the second year of study. The

seasonality in appearance of pollen was the same for the both years. Post-monsoon recorded

maximum density followed by pre-monsoon and monsoon. The diversity of pollen remained the

same. Poaceae continued to be dominant (96-98%), followed by Amaranthus spinosus and

Peltophorum pterocarpum. Contribution by other plant species was negligible. There is also a

distinct variation between first two sites and this site. This can be attributed to the frequency of

sampling and the location of the site (see Table 10 and Table 11).

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Site No. IV to VIII

The sampling at these sites was done everyday for a week, in each season, to observe

changes that occur away from the main sampling sites, viz. Site I and II. Correlation with

environmental parameters was not considered because the meteorological data collected was

from Panaji, in the proximity of Site I and II. As can be seen, of 10 occasions, the density was

maximum in 5 occasions in pre-monsoon and 5 in post-monsoon. The trends did not follow any

regular pattern. The effect of biological factors may differ between species and location but the

physical mechanisms of dispersal are essentially the same for all particles. Thus, it is not possible

to attribute any specific reason for this irregular trend observed in these sites. The height of

sampling sites was six feet. Rapiejko et al. (1998) evaluated pollen count at different heights and

distances. Reports of studies done elsewhere in India and abroad also did not show any regular

pattern (see Table 14, Table 15, Table 18, Table 19, Table 22, Table 23, Table 26, Table 27,

Table 30, Table 31).

Fungal spores:

Miramar and Altinho

The gravity slide technique revealed 20 types of fungal spores in the first year and 15

types in the second year. The number of fungal spores caught on the slide exceeded that of pollen

in both years.

Miramar and Altinho (site I and II respectively) recorded similar trend in the distribution

of spore density in both years. Monsoon recorded highest number followed by post-monsoon and

pre-monsoon. Fungal spore concentration is said to vary in the air from season to season and

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from year to year (Dahiya and Gupta, 2003). However, the present study revealed a regular

pattern. Rainfall, together with increased relative humidity generally enhances fungal sporulation

on decaying organic matter resulting in an increase in spore count (Sharma et al., 2004; Kramer

et al., 1960). The prevalence of high density of fungal spores in this study is a pointer to this.

Jothish et al. (2004) reported higher concentration of Aspergillus and Penicillium spores in early

rainy seasons at Kovalam, (Kerala). Lowered spore catch in some months of monsoon may be

due to washing away of the spores. Similar observations were made by Sreeramulu and

Ramalingam (1966). It is also said that garbage and greater human activity can trigger the

amount of fungal spores in the aerosol (Chauhan and Kulshrestha, 2004).

The study of aerospora at Miramar during the first year showed a total number of 157451

fungal spores belonging to 20 species. However, in the second year the spore density increased

to 259910, but the number of species decreased to 15. The first year assemblage was dominated

by Bispora sp. (52%) and Cercospora elaeidis (41%). Other significant contributors were

Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium sp. and Curvularia lunata. Second year also

witnessed the over dominance of Bispora sp. (98%) wherein other contributors were Cercospora

elaeidis, Nigrospora sp., Helminthosporium oryzae, Fusarium sp. and Curvularia lunata. Thus

the study revealed a change in the density and diversity over two years of study. While Bispora

sp. dominated the assemblage, Aspergillus flavus and Cercospora elaeidis remained as co-

dominant fungal spores and Neurospora sp. and Fusarium sp. dominated occasionally (see Table

4 and Table 5).

At Altinho, 38184 fungal spores belonging to 19 species were identified in the first year.

The catch dropped to 6862 and the species number decreased by two in the second year. First

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year comprised of Bispora sp. (55%) as dominant, and Aspergillus flavus, Cercospora elaeidis

and Alternaria alternata as co-dominant and besides Fusarium sp. and Curvularia lunata as

other significant contributors. Second year also showed the dominance of Bispora sp., followed

by other significant contributors - Cercospora elaeidis, Helminthosporium oryzae, Fusarium sp.

and Aspergillus flavus (see Table 8 and Table 9).

Different workers have encountered dominance of different species. Uday and Vittal

(2003) found the dominance of Aspergillus in Chennai. Mandal (2005) reported Aspergillus in

higher concentration in different parts of Durgapur. Aspergillus has been a dominant species in

different places, both outdoor and indoor environments. Its dominance was found in hospital

wards and library (Saoji and Giri, 1994), in a poultry farm (Jothish and Nayar, 2003), in rice mill

(Singh and Singh, 2005), in asthmatic residents (Bhuvaneshwari and Vittal, 2005), in cattle sheds

(Verma and Jacob, 2005) and in residential houses (Majumdar and Barui, 2005), in slum area

(Tiwari et al., 2006).

Studies in India by Arora and Jain (2003), Mohammad et al. (2003), Dahiya and Gupta

(2003), Reddi et al. (2004), Jothish et al. (2004), and Uddin (2004, 2005) have recorded

Cladosporium as a dominant species in indoor and outdoor environments. Cladosporium spores

were found to be dominant in libraries (Sarma and Basumatary, 2004), in industrial belt (Mandal,

2005), in cattleshed (Sangle et al. 2006). Studies in Giza, Egypt (Awad, 2005) and Saudi Arabia

(Hasnain, 2005) also have recorded the dominance of Cladosporium. Dominance of Alternaria

alternata has been recorded by several workers such as Singh and Mishra (1988), Reddi and

Reddi (1996), Kulshrestha and Chauhan (2000), Chauhan and Kulshrestha (2004), Upadhyaya

and Jain (2005). Singh et al. (2003) found the dominance of Helminthosporium in rice mills of

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Manipur, whereas Sharma et al. (2004) recorded Helminthosporium in the atmosphere of Greater

Silchar, Assam. Paper mills in Assam showed the occurrence of Curvularia in paper mill

complex (Hazarika et al., 2007).

Cercospora elaeidis spores were highest in the study of airspora over a groundnut field at

Nagpur, as reported by Kalkar and Patil (1994). Rust and spores were identified as dominant

species by Tilak and Gadeker (2005) at Rahuri over sorghum field. Alternaria alternata and

smut spores were found throughout the year at two gardens of Agra city (Chauhan et al., 2004).

Thus the findings of the present study are similar to the studies done elsewhere.

ICAR

The density and species number of spores was less at ICAR Complex, Old Goa, in both

years. The density was 761 and 439 in first and second year respectively. The species number

also decreased to 13 in second year from 20 in the fwst year. None of the species showed clear

dominance during the study period. Bispora sp., Cercospora elaeidis, Alternaria alternata and

Fusarium sp. were notable species (see Table 12 and Table 13).

Site No. IV to VllI

The annual density for the all sites was less than all the previous sites. It ranged from 200

to 550. The species number also was less, ranging from 8-16. Aspergillus flavus, Cercospora

elaeidis and Fusarium sp., were the notable species in these sites. Nigrospora sp., Penicillium

sp., and Bispora sp. were dominant occasionally. The sampling frequency plays an important

role in enumerating the airspora. All these sites showed less density and diversity, perhaps due to

less frequency of sampling. It is evident from the observations done in sites from III to VIII that

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the study of the airspora will be meaningful only when the sampling frequency is done daily over

a period of time. Nevertheless, the data obtained is a pointer to the prevalence of these spores in

the area. It is essential that daily sampling should be done to prepare a spore calendar of a region

(see Table 16, Table 17, Table 20, Table 21, Table 24, Table 25, Table 28, Table 29, Table 32

and Table 33).

Statistical Analysis:

As stated earlier, the statistical analysis of the conununity parameters was possible for

two sites (Miramar and Altinho) only, because of the frequency of sampling was insufficient in

other sites.

Diversity Index

The 'species diversity' is the number of species found in a unit area or it can be referred

to the heterogeneity in a conununity. It is concerned with the richness of the species (Margalef,

1967). The diversity depends upon the number of species present and distribution of individuals

among species and is greater when the species are more evenly distributed. The diversity

expresses both time and effects of environmental rigour and instability on the rates at which

species are added or removed from the conununity. The range of pollen diversity index was more

in post-monsoon in both the years in both the sites. This may be due to cessation of rains and

hence availability of pollen in the atmosphere. The values of fungal diversity were higher in

post-monsoon period in the first year whereas it was higher in pre-monsoon in the second year.

None of the species dotninated the assemblage during this period. This may be the reason -for

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higher diversity index. This indicates the suitability of the season for the high diversity index for

the airspora.

Evenness (Equitability)

The contribution of unequal representation of different species to the measure of diversity

is referred to as evenness or equitability. It gives an idea about the evenness of the distribution of

the species in an area and is considered as a component of diversity. Usually high equitability

indicates high diversity. Reduction of equitability usually occurs with an increase in oligomixity

(predominance by few species). Equitability also showed the same trend as diversity index that

further confums that for pollen post-monsoon is suitable for high equitability and for spores it

was post-monsoon-in first year and pre-monsoon in the second year.

Species Richness

Species richness not only expresses the number of species but also accounts for the

number of individuals present in a community. The study showed that post-monsoon season

seems to favour species richness for pollen grains. For the fungal spores it is post-monsoon or

pre-monsoon seasons. Decrease in wind velocity and rainsfall may the reasons for higher value

of these parameters for pollen in post-monsoon. For spores, it may be due to drastid decrease in

the total counts. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind

velocity have profound impact on incidence and percentage contribution of aeromicrobiota

(Bricchi et al., 1992; More and Tilak, 2009). It may be noted that there is a need of further

investigation to study the impact of meteorological and other parameters -on diversity index,

evenness and species richness.

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Meteorological Parameters:

As stated earlier, the meteorological parameters are considered only for the first two sites,

because the values were from the IMD located at Altinho Panaji. Meteorological parameters such

as temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and wind velocity were said to be responsible for

fluctuations in pollen concentration (Bricchi et al., 1992). Different meteorological parameters

such as relative humidity, temperature and rainfall have profound impact on incidence and

percentage contribution of aeromicrobiota, leading to seasonal variations (More and Tilak,

2009). For the sample of 12-month data, rainfall and wind velocity showed positive correlation

with the pollen and spore density, in the present study.

Rainfall

Kramer et al. (1960) said that rain promotes the sporulation of fungi. Jadhav and Kunjam

(2009) found rainy season to provide optimum conditions for growth and sporulation of fungi.

Jothish et al. (2004) reported higher concentration of Aspergillus/ Penicillium spores in early

rainy season at Kovalam, Kerala. The present study corroborates well with these studies.

However, Sreeramulu and Ramalingam (1964) observed that fungal population decreased in the

monsoon season as the fungal spores were washed away by the rains. This was alaso observed in

the present study, especially in the month of July 2005 when the rainfall was very heavy.

Rodriguez-Rajo et al. (2003) also found negative correlation with rainfall. Negative correlation

with rainfall and positive with temperature was recorded by Rebeiro et al. (2003). Thus it is clear

that very heavy rainfall has a negative effect on the spore count.

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Pollen density showed positive correlation with rains. Such positive correlation between

rain and pollen has been reported by Kapyla and Korvikko (1975). However, some of the earlier

works have shown negative correlation with rainfall. Rao (1992) opined that under humid

conditions airborne pollen grains become moist, tend to clump together resulting in increased

rate of fall and hence enhanced rate of removal from the atmosphere. Rainfall also has a

scrubbing effect on the airborne pollen. The rain-water droplets wash down airborne pollen and

greatly deplete the atmosphere of its content. Riera et al. (2002) recorded a negative correlation

between number of days with rainfall and number of days with pollinosis. Rodriguez-Rajo et al.

(2003) found the result showing negative correlation with rainfall. Rebeiro et al. (2003) also

found that airborne pollen concentration was negatively correlated with rainfall and number of

rainy days. Green et al. (2003) working on relationship of Pinus pollen with metrological

1 parameters at Brisbane, Australia, found that Pinus pollen showed negative correlation with

rainfall. Stepalska et al. (2005) observed that lack of rain or low precipitation correlated well

with ragweed pollen concentrations. Working on daily pollen concentrations in NE Italy Rizzi-

Longo et al. (2005) found negative correlation with rainfall. For the correlation values calculated

over a 12-month period, the present investigation is therefore a deviation from majority of the

studies done earlier in India and elsewhere. However, the present study corroborates well with

the fact that pollen and spore count decreases when very heavy rainfall occurs during the

monsoon season as observed in July 2005.

Wind Velocity

Wind velocity showed positive correlation with the density of fungal spores. Al- Subai

(2002) studying airborne fungal spores at Doha (Qatar), observed that highest monthly wind

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velocity was regularly associated with higher fungal colony counts. Ho et al. (1995), Rodriguez-

Rajo et al. (2003), Rebeiro et al. (2003) were of the opinion that there is significant relationship

between spore count and wind speed. However, Sreeramulu and Ramalingam (1966) observed

no significant correlation between spore catch and wind speed. Munshi (1994) and Burt and

Rutter (1994) did not find relationship between wind velocity and spore catch.

The density of pollen grains showed positive correlation with wind velocity. Riera et al.

(2002) recorded a positive correlation with fixed wind speed. Wind tends to disperse pollen

grains from dehisced anthers. Rebeiro et al. (2003) found that airborne pollen concentration

positively correlated with wind. However, there are reports of negative correlation of pollen

concentration with wind speed. Rizzi-Longo et al. (2005) working at North East Italy found that

daily pollen concentrations present sometimes negative correlation with wind speed.

Humidity

In our studies, there was no great variation in the range of humidity therefore it did not

show significant correlation with spore count. Sreeramulu and Ramalingam (1966) observed no

significant correlation between spore catch and relative humidity. Burt and Rutter (1994) opined

that there is no relationship between spore catch and relative humidity. However, there were

several earlier studies showing positive correlation between spore count and humidity. Sharma et

al. (2005) reported that high humidity and low temperature triggered the liberation and

distribution of fungal spores. Herrero et al. (2006) discovered a positive correlation between

airborne spore counts and relative humidity. On the other hand Upadhyaya and Jain (2005)

reported minimum number of spores in the month of May at Gwalior, because the humidity was

very low.

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Pollen concentration also did not show significant correlation with humidity in the present

investigation. However, significant negative correlation with relative humidity has been reported

in earlier studies (Sahney and Chaurasia, 2008).

Temperature

The temperature variations did not show a great impact on the pollen and fungal

concentrations, in the present study since the temperature at the locations of study did not vary

significantly. However, positive correlation between spore count and temperature has been

reported by several earlier workers. Agashe and Sudha (1995), Chauhan and Kulshrestha (2004)

recorded minimum number of fungal spores due to very high or very low temperature. Herrero et

al. (2006) found a positive correlation between airborne spore counts and temperature. Effect of

temperature has been a subject of study for many aerobiologists. Stepalska et al. (2005) observed

high temperature to correlate well with ragweed pollen concentrations. The study by Frenguelli

et al. (2002) in Central Italy revealed significant differences correlated with the mean

temperature during the pollen season. Rebeiro et al. (2003) found that the airborne pollen

concentration was positively correlating with temperature. Teranishi et al. (2006) noted

significant correlations between the mean temperatures and the start-date of the pollen season.

Mandal et al. (2006) found significant positive correlation between pollen count and mean

maximum temperature. Sahney and Chaurasia (2008) reported significant negative correlation of

daily variations in the concentrations of pollen grains with minimum temperature.

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Allergic airspora:

The term allergy was first introduced in 1906 by Freiherr van Pirquet, an Austrian

physician, to describe any abnormal reaction on the immune system. Allergy is defined as altered

and accelerated reaction of a person to a second and subsequent exposure to a substance to which

his body has already become sensitized by a previous exposure. Aerobiological studies in

relation to allergy has a great relevance as the problem of allergy is assuming alarming

proportions all over the world (Agashe, 1994). Nevertheless, all pollen grains occurring in the

atmosphere do not cause allergy. The pollen grains which cause allergy have to fulfill certain

basic requirements, as stated by Thommen (1931). These include the following:

1. They should contain an excitant to cause allergy.

2. They should be wind pollinated.

3. They should be buoyant enough to be carried away easily by wind.

4. They should be produced in huge amounts.

5. The plant producing such pollen grains must be widely and abundantly distributed.

Several workers studied allergenic airspora in India. From these studies it is clear that the

pollen grains that have been shown to possess clinically positive results are Carica papaya

(Shivpuri, 1960), Cassi tora (Vishwe, 1979), Parthenium hysterophorus (Sarpotdar and

Rajmane, 1978; Agashe and Chatterjee, 1987; Tilak et al., 1981), Brassica, Ricinus, Adathoda,

Ageratum, and Artemesia (Ajay Shan'car et al., 1979), Cucurbita maxima and Lantana camara

(Mandal and Chanda, 1981), Chenopodium album (Batabyal et al., 1985), Datura metel and

Cocos nucifera (Sanaa et al., 1991), Peltophorum pterocarpum (Mandal et al., 2006).

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Similarly many workers have worked on allergenic properties of fungal spores. The

fungal spores that have been found to possess allergenic reactions are Alternaria alternata

(Agashe et al., 1983; Vijay, 1994), Cladosporium cladosprioides (Agashe et al., 1983),

Helminthosporum myzae (Lewis et al., 1984), Aspergillus fumigates (Shah, 2004).

The pollen grains of Amaranthus spinosus, Peltophorum pterocaTum, Poaceae,

Bouganvillea spectabilis, Mangifeara indica, Acacia auriculifonnis have been found in the

present study that are allergic. The fungal spores of Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus,

Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. were known to be allergenic, were also found in

this study.

Pollen Calendar:

The main objective a the continuous air sampling is to get qualitative and day-to-day

variations in the concentrations of different pollen and fungal types. Such data enable

compilation of the pollen calendar, which depicts the duration and concentration of various

pollen types in the atmosphere. Such calendars compiled by aerobiologists provide knowledge of

the occurrence and concentration of allergenic pollen and fungal spores, which is of great help to

clinicians for proper diagnosis. The pollens of Poaceae were either abundant or very abundant

throughout the year. All other pollens were rare in their presence but present throughout the year.

Fungal spores of Bispora sp. and Cercospora elaeidis were abundant whereas others were rare in

their frequency. Although many allergenic pollen and fungal spores are found throughout the

year, their impact on the health has to be studied by the allergologist, especially with regard to

their frequency. Pollen calendars should be compiled and updated every year, because the

magnitude and quality of annual pollen load in the atmosphere can vary significantly (Sudha,

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1992). There can be significant variation in the atmospheric pollen even between two successive

years. This aspect was highlighted by Agashe and Abraham (1990). The pollen and fungal spore

calendar prepared in the present study is the first of its kind in Goa. However, there is a need for

a continuous monitoring of the airspora of Goa.

Observations on allergic patients:

The reports obtained from a medical practioner dealing with allergic patients, at Ponda,

Goa, formed a base for a generalized analysis on use of certain antigens. Based on their

respective reactions on the patient, inferences were drawn on the pollen or spores affecting the

patients. The records indicated that spores such as Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus,

Curvularia lunata and Penicillium sp. and pollen such as Amaranthus spinosus, Peltophorum

pterocarpum and Poaceae caused allergy in patients.

Data recorded from 10 patients was compared with the airspora recorded in this study. It

was found out that some of the allergic species of airspora were recorded in the study (Table 37).

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Table 37 — Representation of allergic reactions of ten patients sampled at the clinic in Ponda, Goa „ Patient 1 Patient 2

_ Patient 3 Patient 4 Patient 5 Patient 6 Patient 7 Patient 8 Patient 9 Patient 10

Fungal Spores Alternaria alternata - - - - + ++ + ++ - + Aspergillus flavus - +++ + ++ +++ - - - ++ - Curvularia lunata + - - - - - - + - + Penicillium sp. - - - - - - - - - -

Pollen Amaranthus spinosus - - - + + - - - - -

Peltophorum pterocarpum - - ++ + - ++ ++ - - -

Poaceae - + - ++ - - ++ - - -

Others Insects - - - +++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ -

Dust +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ ++ ++ + ++ +

Legend Symbol Allergic Reaction Level +++ Severe allergic reaction ++ Moderate allergic reaction + Slight allergic reaction - No allergic reaction

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In the case of pollen, Amaranthus spinosus showed slight allergic reaction on patients,

whereas Poaceae and Peltophorum pterocarpum showed moderate reactions. In the case of

fungal spores, Curvularia lunata resulted in only slight allergic reaction, Alternaria alternata

showed moderate, while Aspergillus flavus showed severe reactions.

Of the 10 patients, 4 were found to be allergic to dust inhalation, 4 showed moderate

reaction while 2 showed only slight reaction. One patient showed severe reaction to insect

antigen and 5 others showed only slight reaction.

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Table 38 - Pollen Calendar Sr. No. Pollen Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 Acacia auriculiformis A A A A A A A A A AA A 2 A maranthus spinosus A A A A A AAA A AA A 3 Bouganvillea spectabilis A A A A A AAA A AA A 4 Hibiscus sp. A A A A A A AA A A A A _ 5 Mangifera indica A A A A A A AA A A A A 6 Peltophorum pterocarpum , A A A A A A A A A A A 7 Poaceae E E E E E E E E E E E E 8 Tamarindus indicus A A A A A A AA A A A A 9 Tridax procumbens A A A A A A AA A A A A

Legend Symbol Description Percentage of pollen / spore type A Rare 0 to 20% B Occasional 20% to 40% C Frequent 40% to 60% D Abundant 60% to 80% E Very abundant 80% to 100%

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Table 39 - Spore Calendar Sr. No. Spores Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 Alternaria alternata A A A A A A A A A AB A 2 Aspergillus flavus A A A A A A AA A BA A 3 Bahusakala olivaceonigra A A A A A AAA A AA A 4 Bispora sp. A A DD A A E E E BA 5 Cercospora elaeidis BC A AC E A A A A 6 Cladosporium sp. A A A A A A AA A.A A A 7 Curvularia lunata AA A A A A A A A AA A 8 Didymella sp. A A A A A AAA A AA A 9 Endophragmiella sp. A A A A A A A A A AA A 10 Fusarium sp. B A A AB A AA A AB A 11 Helminthosporium oryzae A A A A A A AA A AA A 12 Mucor sp. A A A A A A A A A AA A 13 Penicillium sp. AA A A A A AA A A A•A 14 Phytophthora sp. A A A A A A A A A AA A 15 Pithomyces chartarum A A A A A A A A A. AA A 16 Pleospora infectoria A A A A A A AA A AA 17 Psammina stipitata A A A A A A AA A AA A 18 Stachybotrys sansevieriae A A A A A A AA A AA A 19 Tetraploa aristata A A A A A A A A A A A 20 Trichobotrys sp. A A A A A A AA A AA A

Legend Symbol Description Percentage of pollen / spore type A Rare 0 to 20% B Occasional 20% to 40% C Frequent 40% to 60% D Abundant 60% to 80% E Very abundant 80% to 100%

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