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. 2022 Jul 13;17(7):e0270975.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270975. eCollection 2022.

Aerobiological monitoring in a desert type ecosystem: Two sampling stations of two cities (2017-2020) in Qatar

Maryam Ali Al-Nesf  1 , Dorra Gharbi  1   2 , Hassan M Mobayed  1 , Ramzy Mohammed Ali  1 , Amjad Tuffaha  3 , Blessing Reena Dason  1 , Mehdi Adeli  3 , Hisham A Sattar  4 , Maria Del Mar Trigo  2
Affiliations

Aerobiological monitoring in a desert type ecosystem: Two sampling stations of two cities (2017-2020) in Qatar

Maryam Ali Al-Nesf et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of aerobiological stations empower comparative studies to determine the relationship between pollen concentrations in different localities and the appropriate distance, which should be established between sampling stations. In Qatar, this is basically the first aerobiological study for a continuous monitoring interval.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the abundance and seasonality of the most prevalent pollen types, plus identify potential differences between two sites within the country.

Methods: Airborne pollen data were collected during 2017-2020 by using Hirst-type volumetric samplers in Doha capital city and Al Khor city in Qatar, placed 50 km apart.

Results: Higher total pollen indexes were recorded in the Al Khor station (2931 pollen * day/m3) compared to the Doha station (1618 pollen * day/m3). Comparing the pollen spectrum between the sampling stations revealed that ten pollen types were found in common. Amaranthaceae and Poaceae airborne pollen constituted 73.5% and 70.9% of the total amount of pollen detected at the samplers of Al Khor station and Doha station. In both sampling sites, a very pronounced seasonality was shown; August-October appeared as the period with the most intense incidence of atmospheric herbaceous pollen, with 71% and 51% of the annual total counts in Al Khor and Doha stations, respectively. August (Al Khor, 21%; Doha, 9%), September (Al Khor, 33%; Doha, 26%), October (Al Khor, 17%; Doha, 16%) were the months in which the herbs pollen concentrations were highest. Significant statistical differences between the two stations were observed in specific pollen types with local distribution in each trap's vicinity.

Conclusions: Comparison of data obtained by the two samplers running at a distance of 50 Km indicated that potential inter-site differences could be attributed to the vegetation surrounding the city having a decisive influence on data collected.

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Conflict of interest statement

We like to disclose that the research reported in this manuscript received supported grant funding from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)-Qatar (NPRP 9-241-3-043). However, the funders had no role in study design, data collection, and/ or analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Also, we like to confirm that this does not alter our adherence to all PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. There are no other commercial associations that might pose a conflict of interest and no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. A topographic map of Qatar showing the main sampling locations.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Mean of meteorological parameters (minimum temperature (°C), maximum temperature (°C), and rainfall (mm)), taken at the sampling sites (2017–2020).
Fig 3
Fig 3. Seasonal dynamics of total airborne pollen in Doha and Al Khor (2017–2020).
Fig 4
Fig 4. Monthly variation of trees and herbaceous pollen in the atmosphere of Doha and Al Khor (2017–2020).
Fig 5
Fig 5. Average monthly distribution of pollen concentration at Doha and Al Khor stations (2017–2020).
Fig 6
Fig 6. Pollen calendars of Al Khor and Doha localities (2017–2020).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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