Effects of meteorological factors on the levels of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores in the atmosphere of Palencia, 1990–92

Abstract

This study examines the daily levels of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores in the atmosphere in Palencia city (Spain) for three consecutive years 1990–92. Alternaria and Cladosporium represented 55% of all the identified spores. Their annual distributional pattern reached its maximum values in summer. Multiple regression analyses show that Cladosporium spore concentrations have a positive correlation with minimum temperature, whereas Alternaria spore concentrations have a positive correlation with maximum temperature. Alternaria spore concentrations were also negatively correlated with precipitation. Duncan's multiple range test of Alternaria data show that winds blowing from a northeasterly direction were significantly related to higher levels of these spores.