Aeropollinic sampling at three different heights by personal volumetric collector (Partrap FA 52).

Background: Aeropollinic sampling is usually performed by volumetric pollen traps located on the top of buildings at a height of 15-20 m. The present study aimed to determine whether pollen concentration is similar, at the same time, at different heights.

Methods: Pollen concentrations were measured at the same time for 3 days each month (March-October 1997), with three Partrap FA 52 devices respectively located at 1.5, 5, and 15 m above the ground. A Burkard sampler was used as control at the 15-m level.

Results: No significant difference in either the total count or the single pollen counts was observed between the Partrap and Burkard samplers at 15 m. The total pollen count did not differ significantly between the Partrap at 1.5 m and 15 m (130+/-19 and 123+/-18, respectively), whereas the sampler at 5 m collected an amount of pollen (84+/-14) significantly lower than at 1.5 and 15 m (P<0.0001 and P<0.001, respectively). The amount of Urticaceae pollen was significantly higher at 1.5 m (97+/-17) than at 15m (80+/-12) and 5m (58+/-11); P<0.02 and P<0.001, respectively. Regarding grass pollen, the collector at 5 m captured significantly less pollen (4.5+/-0.8) than at 1.5m (9.5+/-1.3) and 15m (7.2+/-1.3) (P=0.002 and P=0.02, respectively). No significant difference was observed between the data obtained from samplers at 1.5 and 15 m. In addition, the Oleaceae, Cupressaceae, and Corylaceae pollen counts were significantly higher when collected at 15 than at 5 and 1.5 m.

Conclusions: These data show that differences exist in pollen sampling performed at different heights.