Five-year aerobiological monitoring in Tyumen

BACKGROUND: Continuous monitoring studies of the regional spore and pollen aerospectrum for the southern part of the Tyumen Region have not been carried out.

AIM: To identify regional characteristics of the spore and pollen spectrum in the air environment in Tyumen based on the results of five years of airborne pollen monitoring.

METHODS: A volumetric pollen trap was used to collect pollen and spores from the city air during the spring and autumn of 2018–2022. Subsequent identification and counting of pollen grains and spores was carried out under a light microscope at × 400 magnification.

RESULTS: Pollen from at least 13 anemophilous plants from different taxonomic groups was detected in the air mass of Tyumen. Spores from at least two fungal taxa were also detected. Cladosporium was the most prevalent. The number of tree pollen taxa was almost four times higher than the number of grass pollen taxa. Birch pollen was found to be the most productive in the city’s air spectrum, peaking during the first wave in May. Nettle pollen is the second most common allergen in terms of total pollen count. Its peak occurs during the second wave. The absence of ragweed pollen was demonstrated. The dynamics of pollen and spore frequency during the specified observation period were analysed. A regional pollen calendar was compiled.

CONCLUSION: The spore-pollen spectrum is dominated by birch, pine, and nettle pollen, as well as Cladosporium fungus spores, but ragweed pollen is not present.