The statistical investigation on airborne fungi and pollen grains of atmosphere in Izmir-Turkey.

This study aims to investigate the differences in the concentrations of airborne fungi and pollens between the towns located in the province of Izmir and to determine the factors contributing to these differences. Five stations in each of four towns (Buca, Konak, Bornova, and Karsiyaka) were randomly selected as the research areas. Fungus (cfu/m(3)) and pollen counts (cm(2)/pollen count) in the air samples collected from each station between June 2003 and May 2004 were measured. The results revealed that whereas Karsiyaka had the highest fungus concentration (521.33 +/- 777.1), Buca and Bornova had the lowest concentration (482.67 +/- 308.44). The mean fungus concentration in the province of Izmir was 501.5 +/- 486.7. Pollen concentration was the highest in Konak (486.67 +/- 839.06) and the lowest in Bornova (369.83 +/- 551.13). Fungus and pollen concentrations revealed no difference between the towns (p > 0.05). The relationship between pollen-fungus concentrations and temperature-dust-humidity-sulphur-dioxide was investigated but it was found statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). As a result of regression analysis, it was determined that correlation of atmospheric parameters had no effects on pollen and fungus concentrations (p > 0.05).