Relationship between pollen count and meteorological parameters: a case study of Islamabad (P-0845) (MFN 8616)

Abstract

The plantation of paper mulberry trees can damage the ecosystem of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), same as foreign tree plantation. Mulberry plants are among the fastest growing trees that causes pollen allergy. The patients who suffer from allergy remain affected throughout March to mid of April. In peak season pollen count in Islamabad is around 30,000 grains per cubic meter. This study focuses upon the changing trends in amount of pollen generation in Islamabad and the effect of meteorological parameters on it. Meteorological data for the years 2005 to 2017 for the parameters (rainfall, humidity, minimum temperature, maximum temperature) was acquired from Pakistan Meteorological Department, Islamabad. The data for number of patients affected by pollen over the years was obtained from National Institute of Health NIH Islamabad. Data was only available from 2013 to 2016 in this case. Graphs showing monthly, quarterly and yearly variations were made. Trend lines show the differences that have occurred over the years. Each parameter has different effect on pollen concentration over the years. During plantation, there needs to be proper study regarding the properties of plants so that appropriate plantation can be done in different topological regimes.