Increasing Juniperus virginiana L. pollen in the Tulsa atmosphere: long-term trends, variability, and influence of meteorological conditions

Abstract

In the Tulsa area, the Cupressaceae is largely represented by eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana L.). The encroachment of this species into the grasslands of Oklahoma has been well documented, and it is believed this trend will continue. The pollen is known to be allergenic and is a major component of the Tulsa atmosphere in February and March. This study examined airborne Cupressaceae pollen data from 1987 to 2016 to determine long-term trends, pollen seasonal variability, and influence of meteorological variables on airborne pollen concentrations. Pollen was collected through means of a Burkard sampler and analyzed with microscopy. Daily pollen concentrations and yearly pollen metrics showed a high degree of variability. In addition, there were significant increases over time in the seasonal pollen index and in peak concentrations. These increases parallel the increasing population of J. virginiana in the region. Pollen data were split into pre- and post-peak categories for statistical analyses, which revealed significant differences in correlations of the two datasets when analyzed with meteorological conditions. While temperature and dew point, among others were significant in both datasets, other factors, like relative humidity, were significant only in one dataset. Analyses using wind direction showed that southerly and southwestern winds contributed to increased pollen concentrations. This study confirms that J. virginiana pollen has become an increasing risk for individuals sensitive to this pollen and emphasizes the need for long-term aerobiological monitoring in other areas.

Aeroallergens and Climate Change in Tulsa, Oklahoma: Long-Term Trends in the South Central United States

“…The second sampler was located in a residential area approximately 6 km southwest of campus. Sampler operation followed standard methods used throughout the study period (46)(47)(48) and identical to guidelines recommended by the Pan American Aerobiology Association (52). Over the 34 years, Burkard slides were analyzed by several different individuals using different methods including one (3.4% of the slide surface), two (6.9% of the slide surface), three (10.3% of the slide surface), or four (13.6% of the slide surface) longitudinal traverses or 12 transverse traverses (11.5% of the slide surface).…”

“…In looking at long term trends, they showed significant decreases over time in the SPIn for Ambrosia pollen, but no significant changes in start date, end date, season duration, or peak date. In a study on the aerobiology of J. virginiana pollen from 1987 to 2016, Flonard et al (48) showed significant increases over time in the pollen intensity, which paralleled the species expansion in Oklahoma. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of global warming on the airborne pollen levels in Tulsa, Oklahoma from 1987 to 2020.…”

Impact of weather and climate change with indoor and outdoor air quality in asthma: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Environmental Exposure and Respiratory Health Committee

“…Pollen data from 1987 to 2016 in Oklahoma found significant increases in the seasonal pollen index over time, including peak concentrations that are reached by eastern red cedar tree pollen. 16 When evaluating multiple common pollens, others have noted the average peak value and annual total production of airborne pollen has increased in the recent 2 decades. 11 In addition to increased quantity, there is some evidence that greater temperatures affect IgE binding.…”

“…These include range expansions for some species as well as latitudinal or altitudinal shifts for other species. 20,21 Distribution changes have been documented in trees, shrubs, weeds, and grasses 16,[20][21][22][23] ; however, the expansion of ragweed in Europe has the greatest implications for patients with allergic asthma. Ragweed has become invasive through large areas of Central and Eastern Europe since the mid-20th century, and the pollen has become a major health issue in many areas.…”

Aerobiologia do pólen de Cupressáceas em Portugal

“…As Cupressáceas, como plantas anemófilas, produzem e libertam uma grande quantidade de pólen para a atmosfera, o que gera elevados níveis de pólen na atmosfera de muitas localidades em todo o Mundo e, particularmente, na região mediterrânica, onde existe uma importante presença de espécies desta família 4 . Apesar da diversidade de espécies incluídas no tipo Cupressaceae, a maior parte do pólen coletado provém de plantas do género AEROBIOLOGIA DO PÓLEN DE CUPRESSÁCEAS EM PORTUGAL / ARTIGO ORIGINAL métodos mais utilizados na literatura 4,6,22,24,25 Os resultados aerobiológicos aqui obtidos vão de encontro aos obtidos noutras localidades portuguesas 15 , mediterrânicas 4,6,24,25,26,32,33 e noutras partes do mundo 10,19,31,34 .…”