Professor and senior researcher at the University of Malaga (Spain).Fields: Botany, Palynology, Aerobiology. Phone: +34 952 137550 Address: Dept. Plant Biologi. Faculty of Sciences. Campus Teatinos. University of Malaga, Spain
The Science of the total environment, Jan 15, 2013
Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flo... more Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flowers on large inflorescences. It is also one of the oldest psychoactive plants known to humanity. Morocco has become one of the main producers of Cannabis resin (hashish), primarily supplying the European market. The aim of this paper is to ascertain whether the atmospheric monitoring of Cannabis pollen can play a role, from a criminological point of view, in the surveillance of Cannabis cultivation in the area of Tetouan (NW Morocco) as well as to estimate pollen emission so that the sensitive population can be warned about the allergic diseases that its pollen can cause. Aerobiological samplings were made with the aid of a Hirst type volumetric trap (Hirst, 1952), which worked uninterruptedly during a 3-year period (2008-2010) according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network, the REA. Cannabis pollen was present in the atmosphere of Tetouan mainly from early Apr...
Fungal spores are of great interest in aerobiology and allergy due to their high incidence in bot... more Fungal spores are of great interest in aerobiology and allergy due to their high incidence in both outdoor and indoor environments and their widely recognized ability to cause respiratory diseases and other pathologies. In this work, we study the spore content of the atmosphere of the Cave of Nerja, a karstic cavity and an important tourist attraction situated on the eastern coast of Malaga (southern Spain), which receives more than half a million visitors every year. This study was carried out over an uninterrupted period of 4 years (2002-2005) with the aid of two Hirst-type volumetric pollen traps (Lanzoni VPPS 2000) situated in different halls of the cave. In the atmosphere of the Cave of Nerja, 72 different spore types were detected during the studied period and daily mean concentrations of up to 282,195 spores/m(3) were reached. Thirty-five of the spore types detected are included within Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (19 and 16 types, respectively). Of the remaining spore types, 32 were categorized within the group of so-called imperfect fungi, while Oomycota and Myxomycota were represented by 2 and 3 spore types, respectively. Aspergillus/Penicillium was the most abundant spore type with a yearly mean percentage that represented 50% of the total, followed by Cladosporium. Finally, the origin of the fungal spores found inside the cave is discussed on the basis of the indoor/outdoor concentrations and the seasonal behaviour observed.
Daily monitoring of airborne fungal spores was carried out for the first time in Al Khor city, Qa... more Daily monitoring of airborne fungal spores was carried out for the first time in Al Khor city, Qatar, using a Hirst type 7-day recording volumetric spore trap, from May 2017 to May 2019. During the sampling period, the annual and monthly fluctuations, as well as intradiurnal variations of airborne fungal spore concentrations, were evaluated. Cladosporium, followed by Alternaria, were the spore types most abundant in the atmosphere of the city, with a strong interannual variability in the atmospheric concentrations being observed. The Annual Spore Integrals (ASIns) were 3334 and 1172 spore * day/m3 (2017–2018), and 6796 and 1538 spore * day/m3 (2018–2019) for Cladosporium and Alternaria, respectively. Total daily spore concentrations showed significantly positive correlations with mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures but significantly negative correlations with relative humidity. However, due to the scarce rainfalls’ days, we did not find a statistically significant correlations b...
Because no consistent previous aerobiological studies exist from Qatar, the aim of this study is ... more Because no consistent previous aerobiological studies exist from Qatar, the aim of this study is to define the seasonality and intradiurnal behaviour of these two airborne fungal spores (Alternaria and Cladosporium) and the role that, in such an arid scene, the meteorological parameters play on the spore concentrations.
Almost all the aerobiological networks used the non-volatile silicone fluid as a capture medium a... more Almost all the aerobiological networks used the non-volatile silicone fluid as a capture medium adhesive on the Melinex tape of Hirst-type volumetric samplers. This adhesive was prepared with carbon tetrachloride, considered as a carcinogenic agent. Since that, there is a spreading interest to find an alternative solvent for continuing the aerobiological sampling. In this study, we examined the impaction efficiency of the cyclohexane and carbon tetrachloride solvent, widely used in aerobiological studies. The results revealed that there is no significant difference between the two solvents and that cyclohexane can be used as a new solvent of the adhesive substance for airborne pollen sampling.
Alternaria is frequently found as airborne fungal spores and is recognized as an important cause ... more Alternaria is frequently found as airborne fungal spores and is recognized as an important cause of respiratory allergies. The aerobiological monitoring of fungal spores was performed using a Burkard volumetric spore traps. To establish predicting variables for daily and weakly spore counts, a stepwise multiple regression between spore concentrations and independent variables (meteorological parameters and lagged values from the series of spore concentrations: previous day or week concentration (Alt t - 1) and mean concentration of the same day or week in other years (C mean)) was made with data obtained during 2009-2011. Alternaria conidia are present throughout the year in the atmosphere of Tetouan, although they show important seasonal fluctuations. The highest levels of Alternaria spores were recorded during the spring and summer or autumn. Alternaria showed maximum daily values in April, May or October depending on year. When the spore variables of Alternaria, namely C mean and Alt t - 1, and meteorological parameters were included in the equation, the resulting R (2) satisfactorily predict future concentrations for 55.5 to 81.6 % during the main spore season and the pre-peak 2. In the predictive model using weekly values, the adjusted R (2) varied from 0.655 to 0.676. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results from the expected values and the pre-peak spore data or weekly values for 2012, indicating that there were no significant differences between series compared. This test showed the C mean, Alt t - 1, frequency of the wind third quadrant, maximum wind speed and minimum relative humidity as the most efficient independent variables to forecast the overall trend of this spore in the air.
The Science of the total environment, Jan 15, 2013
Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flo... more Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flowers on large inflorescences. It is also one of the oldest psychoactive plants known to humanity. Morocco has become one of the main producers of Cannabis resin (hashish), primarily supplying the European market. The aim of this paper is to ascertain whether the atmospheric monitoring of Cannabis pollen can play a role, from a criminological point of view, in the surveillance of Cannabis cultivation in the area of Tetouan (NW Morocco) as well as to estimate pollen emission so that the sensitive population can be warned about the allergic diseases that its pollen can cause. Aerobiological samplings were made with the aid of a Hirst type volumetric trap (Hirst, 1952), which worked uninterruptedly during a 3-year period (2008-2010) according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network, the REA. Cannabis pollen was present in the atmosphere of Tetouan mainly from early Apr...
Background: Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the prese... more Background: Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited. Methods: The study aimed to determine and correlate the most frequently implicated airborne pollen detected by aerobiological monitoring samplers in respiratory allergy symptoms. An aerobiological survey was started on May 8, 2017. Airborne pollen was collected using two Hirst type seven-day recorder volumetric traps. Skin prick test in patients attending allergy clinics in Doha using commercial extracts was conducted. Results: Twenty-five pollen types representing the native, as well as the introduced plants, with a relatively low daily mean concentration were observed from May 2017 to May 2019. The highest pollen concentrations were reached by Amaranthaceae (58.9%), followed by Poaceae (21.7%). SPT revealed a comparatively higher degree of sensitization to pollen. Among 940 patients, 204 were sensitized to pollen (54% female) with 135 (66.2%) and 114 (55.8%) to Amaran-thaceae and Poaceae, respectively. Some patients had polysensitization. There was a statistically significant association between Amaranthaceae, and asthma (r = 0.169, P = 0.016) and allergic rhinitis (r = 0.177, P = 0.012). Conclusions: This is the first study to monitor airborne pollen in the state of Qatar. The main pollen detected were Amaranthaceae and Poaceae. Pollen may represent a possible exacerbating factor in adult patients with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
RESUMEN. Análisis del contenido aeropolínico estival en la provincia de Málaga. En el presente tr... more RESUMEN. Análisis del contenido aeropolínico estival en la provincia de Málaga. En el presente trabajo se realiza un estudio del contenido polínico de la atmósfera de la provincia de Málaga durante cl periodo estival (Julio-Septiembre) tomando los registros obtenidos durante los últimos años en varias localidades de la provincia: Málaga (1992-1999), Estepona (1995-1997), Antequera (1998-1999) y Nerja (2000). En general, durante estos tres meses se recoge sólo entre el 3 y el 6% del polen anual, estando el espectro aeropolínico estival de Málaga representado básicamente por 14 tipos polínicos: Eucalyptus, Castanea, Parkinsotzia, Cannabis, Apiaceae, Ligustrum, Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, Palmae, Compositae, Artemisia, Typha, Cyperaceae, Poaceae y U rticaceae. Los tipos que alcanzan mayores concentraciones son Eucalyptus, Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae y Poaceae. El resto de los taxa citados aparecen en concentraciones muy bajas. Determinados taxa presentan concentraciones más elevadas...
En el presente trabajo se ha realizado un estudio aerobiológico de la atmósfera de Antequera (Mál... more En el presente trabajo se ha realizado un estudio aerobiológico de la atmósfera de Antequera (Málaga, sur de España) y se propone un calendario polínico para esta localidad a partir de los datos obtenidos durante los años 1998 y 1999, en los que el muestreo se ha realizado mediante un captador volumétrico de tipo Hirst colocado en la zona norte del núcleo urbano. En el citado calendario sólo se representan los taxa que han alcanzado una concentración de polen media decenal igual o superior a 1 grano de polen/m 3 de aire, quedando reflejados un total de 33 taxa, de los cuáles sólo los dos primeros (Oleo europaea y Cupressaceae) constituyen aproximadamente el 57% del polen total anual. La mayor diversidad de tipos polínicos se produce durante la primavera y las mayores concentraciones de pólenes se producen siempre durante los meses de Febrero a Junio, ambos inclusive, periodo en que se registra aproximadamente el 93% del polen total anual. Aparecen varios picos a lo largo del año, qu...
The Science of the total environment, Jan 15, 2013
Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flo... more Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flowers on large inflorescences. It is also one of the oldest psychoactive plants known to humanity. Morocco has become one of the main producers of Cannabis resin (hashish), primarily supplying the European market. The aim of this paper is to ascertain whether the atmospheric monitoring of Cannabis pollen can play a role, from a criminological point of view, in the surveillance of Cannabis cultivation in the area of Tetouan (NW Morocco) as well as to estimate pollen emission so that the sensitive population can be warned about the allergic diseases that its pollen can cause. Aerobiological samplings were made with the aid of a Hirst type volumetric trap (Hirst, 1952), which worked uninterruptedly during a 3-year period (2008-2010) according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network, the REA. Cannabis pollen was present in the atmosphere of Tetouan mainly from early Apr...
Fungal spores are of great interest in aerobiology and allergy due to their high incidence in bot... more Fungal spores are of great interest in aerobiology and allergy due to their high incidence in both outdoor and indoor environments and their widely recognized ability to cause respiratory diseases and other pathologies. In this work, we study the spore content of the atmosphere of the Cave of Nerja, a karstic cavity and an important tourist attraction situated on the eastern coast of Malaga (southern Spain), which receives more than half a million visitors every year. This study was carried out over an uninterrupted period of 4 years (2002-2005) with the aid of two Hirst-type volumetric pollen traps (Lanzoni VPPS 2000) situated in different halls of the cave. In the atmosphere of the Cave of Nerja, 72 different spore types were detected during the studied period and daily mean concentrations of up to 282,195 spores/m(3) were reached. Thirty-five of the spore types detected are included within Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (19 and 16 types, respectively). Of the remaining spore types, 32 were categorized within the group of so-called imperfect fungi, while Oomycota and Myxomycota were represented by 2 and 3 spore types, respectively. Aspergillus/Penicillium was the most abundant spore type with a yearly mean percentage that represented 50% of the total, followed by Cladosporium. Finally, the origin of the fungal spores found inside the cave is discussed on the basis of the indoor/outdoor concentrations and the seasonal behaviour observed.
Daily monitoring of airborne fungal spores was carried out for the first time in Al Khor city, Qa... more Daily monitoring of airborne fungal spores was carried out for the first time in Al Khor city, Qatar, using a Hirst type 7-day recording volumetric spore trap, from May 2017 to May 2019. During the sampling period, the annual and monthly fluctuations, as well as intradiurnal variations of airborne fungal spore concentrations, were evaluated. Cladosporium, followed by Alternaria, were the spore types most abundant in the atmosphere of the city, with a strong interannual variability in the atmospheric concentrations being observed. The Annual Spore Integrals (ASIns) were 3334 and 1172 spore * day/m3 (2017–2018), and 6796 and 1538 spore * day/m3 (2018–2019) for Cladosporium and Alternaria, respectively. Total daily spore concentrations showed significantly positive correlations with mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures but significantly negative correlations with relative humidity. However, due to the scarce rainfalls’ days, we did not find a statistically significant correlations b...
Because no consistent previous aerobiological studies exist from Qatar, the aim of this study is ... more Because no consistent previous aerobiological studies exist from Qatar, the aim of this study is to define the seasonality and intradiurnal behaviour of these two airborne fungal spores (Alternaria and Cladosporium) and the role that, in such an arid scene, the meteorological parameters play on the spore concentrations.
Almost all the aerobiological networks used the non-volatile silicone fluid as a capture medium a... more Almost all the aerobiological networks used the non-volatile silicone fluid as a capture medium adhesive on the Melinex tape of Hirst-type volumetric samplers. This adhesive was prepared with carbon tetrachloride, considered as a carcinogenic agent. Since that, there is a spreading interest to find an alternative solvent for continuing the aerobiological sampling. In this study, we examined the impaction efficiency of the cyclohexane and carbon tetrachloride solvent, widely used in aerobiological studies. The results revealed that there is no significant difference between the two solvents and that cyclohexane can be used as a new solvent of the adhesive substance for airborne pollen sampling.
Alternaria is frequently found as airborne fungal spores and is recognized as an important cause ... more Alternaria is frequently found as airborne fungal spores and is recognized as an important cause of respiratory allergies. The aerobiological monitoring of fungal spores was performed using a Burkard volumetric spore traps. To establish predicting variables for daily and weakly spore counts, a stepwise multiple regression between spore concentrations and independent variables (meteorological parameters and lagged values from the series of spore concentrations: previous day or week concentration (Alt t - 1) and mean concentration of the same day or week in other years (C mean)) was made with data obtained during 2009-2011. Alternaria conidia are present throughout the year in the atmosphere of Tetouan, although they show important seasonal fluctuations. The highest levels of Alternaria spores were recorded during the spring and summer or autumn. Alternaria showed maximum daily values in April, May or October depending on year. When the spore variables of Alternaria, namely C mean and Alt t - 1, and meteorological parameters were included in the equation, the resulting R (2) satisfactorily predict future concentrations for 55.5 to 81.6 % during the main spore season and the pre-peak 2. In the predictive model using weekly values, the adjusted R (2) varied from 0.655 to 0.676. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results from the expected values and the pre-peak spore data or weekly values for 2012, indicating that there were no significant differences between series compared. This test showed the C mean, Alt t - 1, frequency of the wind third quadrant, maximum wind speed and minimum relative humidity as the most efficient independent variables to forecast the overall trend of this spore in the air.
The Science of the total environment, Jan 15, 2013
Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flo... more Cannabis, also called marihuana or hemp, is a wind-pollinated plant that produces hundreds of flowers on large inflorescences. It is also one of the oldest psychoactive plants known to humanity. Morocco has become one of the main producers of Cannabis resin (hashish), primarily supplying the European market. The aim of this paper is to ascertain whether the atmospheric monitoring of Cannabis pollen can play a role, from a criminological point of view, in the surveillance of Cannabis cultivation in the area of Tetouan (NW Morocco) as well as to estimate pollen emission so that the sensitive population can be warned about the allergic diseases that its pollen can cause. Aerobiological samplings were made with the aid of a Hirst type volumetric trap (Hirst, 1952), which worked uninterruptedly during a 3-year period (2008-2010) according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network, the REA. Cannabis pollen was present in the atmosphere of Tetouan mainly from early Apr...
Background: Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the prese... more Background: Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited. Methods: The study aimed to determine and correlate the most frequently implicated airborne pollen detected by aerobiological monitoring samplers in respiratory allergy symptoms. An aerobiological survey was started on May 8, 2017. Airborne pollen was collected using two Hirst type seven-day recorder volumetric traps. Skin prick test in patients attending allergy clinics in Doha using commercial extracts was conducted. Results: Twenty-five pollen types representing the native, as well as the introduced plants, with a relatively low daily mean concentration were observed from May 2017 to May 2019. The highest pollen concentrations were reached by Amaranthaceae (58.9%), followed by Poaceae (21.7%). SPT revealed a comparatively higher degree of sensitization to pollen. Among 940 patients, 204 were sensitized to pollen (54% female) with 135 (66.2%) and 114 (55.8%) to Amaran-thaceae and Poaceae, respectively. Some patients had polysensitization. There was a statistically significant association between Amaranthaceae, and asthma (r = 0.169, P = 0.016) and allergic rhinitis (r = 0.177, P = 0.012). Conclusions: This is the first study to monitor airborne pollen in the state of Qatar. The main pollen detected were Amaranthaceae and Poaceae. Pollen may represent a possible exacerbating factor in adult patients with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
RESUMEN. Análisis del contenido aeropolínico estival en la provincia de Málaga. En el presente tr... more RESUMEN. Análisis del contenido aeropolínico estival en la provincia de Málaga. En el presente trabajo se realiza un estudio del contenido polínico de la atmósfera de la provincia de Málaga durante cl periodo estival (Julio-Septiembre) tomando los registros obtenidos durante los últimos años en varias localidades de la provincia: Málaga (1992-1999), Estepona (1995-1997), Antequera (1998-1999) y Nerja (2000). En general, durante estos tres meses se recoge sólo entre el 3 y el 6% del polen anual, estando el espectro aeropolínico estival de Málaga representado básicamente por 14 tipos polínicos: Eucalyptus, Castanea, Parkinsotzia, Cannabis, Apiaceae, Ligustrum, Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, Palmae, Compositae, Artemisia, Typha, Cyperaceae, Poaceae y U rticaceae. Los tipos que alcanzan mayores concentraciones son Eucalyptus, Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae y Poaceae. El resto de los taxa citados aparecen en concentraciones muy bajas. Determinados taxa presentan concentraciones más elevadas...
En el presente trabajo se ha realizado un estudio aerobiológico de la atmósfera de Antequera (Mál... more En el presente trabajo se ha realizado un estudio aerobiológico de la atmósfera de Antequera (Málaga, sur de España) y se propone un calendario polínico para esta localidad a partir de los datos obtenidos durante los años 1998 y 1999, en los que el muestreo se ha realizado mediante un captador volumétrico de tipo Hirst colocado en la zona norte del núcleo urbano. En el citado calendario sólo se representan los taxa que han alcanzado una concentración de polen media decenal igual o superior a 1 grano de polen/m 3 de aire, quedando reflejados un total de 33 taxa, de los cuáles sólo los dos primeros (Oleo europaea y Cupressaceae) constituyen aproximadamente el 57% del polen total anual. La mayor diversidad de tipos polínicos se produce durante la primavera y las mayores concentraciones de pólenes se producen siempre durante los meses de Febrero a Junio, ambos inclusive, periodo en que se registra aproximadamente el 93% del polen total anual. Aparecen varios picos a lo largo del año, qu...
Pollen Atlas to Investigate the Local Flora in Qatar, 2018
Pollen Atlas is a reference resource that records the specimens of many species collected from lo... more Pollen Atlas is a reference resource that records the specimens of many species collected from local flora. It is used by researchers involved in agriculture, forensic, allergy, phenology and biological specialties. Furthermore, the atlas will help plant taxonomist to solve the problems of distinguishing between the morphologically similar plants and will improve our understanding of the evolution of Arabian plant communities and environments. Methodology: We initiated a pioneer project ''Aerobiological studies in Qatar and Sharjah: toward the establishment of a network for pollen analysis and allergenicity''; collaborative work between Hamad Medical Corporation (Qatar), and University of Malaga (Spain) teams working on the local flora of Qatar. The Project aims to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable management for the endemic flora in the Arabian Peninsula, through the preparation of an illustrated Atlas with the most common pollen types in the atmosphere of Qatar (Doha & Al-Khor).
Cupressaceae pollen is one of the most important aeroallergen in the atmosphere of Malaga, with v... more Cupressaceae pollen is one of the most important aeroallergen in the atmosphere of Malaga, with very high concentrations at certain periods of the year. In the present work we analyzed the trends of a 23-year series of historical data of cypress pollen in Malaga, its seasonal behaviour, the relationship with meteorological parameters and the impact of climate change on pollen levels. Pollen sampling was carried out by using a volumetric Hirst-type pollen trap, from 1991 to 2014, following the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network, the REA (Galán et al., 2007). For the study, the most relevant parameters of the main pollen season (MPS) were taken into account: annual pollen index; duration, start and end of the MPS, as well as date and intensity of maximum peaks. On the other hand, meteorological parameters such as rainfall, temperatures (mean, maximum and minimum) and sunshine hours were evaluated. The meteorological data used correspond to those recorded at Málaga Airport Station. Simple lineal regressions were used in order to analyze trends. During the study period, the pollen of Cupressaceae was present in the air during great part of the year, registering high concentrations during the winter season, mainly in February and March, with intra-daily peaks recorded from 12:00 to 16:00 hours. The annual pollen index values, with a decreasing trend, run from 16847 in the period 1996-1997 to 2136 in 2007-2008, with an average of 5679. A tendency to advance the start of the MPS was found while the date of the end remained more stable. Regarding the peak day, a significant tendency to delay (p <0.05) was observed, with daily means ranging from 1071 grains/m 3 (13 rd February 2000) to 100 grains/m 3 (5 th March 2008). Similarly, we detected a tendency to lengthen the lasting of the MPS, which ranged between 175 and 207 days. Over the years analyzed, a clear upward trend in mean temperature has been registered, as well as in maximum and minimum temperatures, with significant regression coefficient values. In the case of rainfall, there have been important inter-annual variations, with a tendency to a slight increase, as occurred in the case of sun hours. According to this, we think the results obtained should be considered as bio-indicators in case of scenarios of climate change.
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of these two airborne fungal spores (Alternaria and Cladosporium) and the role that, in such an arid scene, the meteorological parameters
play on the spore concentrations.
of these two airborne fungal spores (Alternaria and Cladosporium) and the role that, in such an arid scene, the meteorological parameters
play on the spore concentrations.