Descrição
This study aims to determine the potential origin of
Olea pollen recorded in Badajoz in the Southwest of the
Iberian Peninsula during 2009–2011. This was achieved using
a combination of daily average and diurnal (hourly) airborne
Olea pollen counts recorded at Badajoz (south-western Spain)
and Évora (south-eastern Portugal), an inventory of olive
groves in the studied area and air mass trajectory calculations
computed using the HYSPLIT model. Examining olive pollen
episodes at Badajoz that had distinctly different diurnal cycles
in olive pollen in relation to the mean, allowed us to identify
three different scenarios where olive pollen can be transported
to the city from either distant or nearby sources during conditions
with slow air mass movements. Back trajectory analysis
showed that olive pollen can be transported to Badajoz
from the West on prevailing winds, either directly or on slow
moving air masses, and from high densities of olive groves
situated to the Southeast (e.g. Andalucía). Regional scale
transport of olive pollen can result in increased nighttime
concentrations of this important aeroallergen. This could be
particularly important in Mediterranean countries where people
can be outdoors during this time due to climate and
lifestyle. Such studies that examine sources and the atmospheric
transport of pollen are valuable for allergy sufferers
and health care professionals because the information can be
incorporated into forecasts, the outputs of which are used for
avoiding exposure to aeroallergens and planning medication.
The results of studies of this nature can also be used for
examining gene flow in this important agricultural crop.
; Skjøth, Carsten Ambelas 
