Comparison between airborne pollen concentrations collected with Hirst type traps using different sampling inlets

Background: In this study we have compared time series of pollen concentrations measured by Hirst type volumetric method using regular wind vane inlet and Sigma-2 fixed inlet. The study aims to reveal to what extent sampling inlet introduces discrepancy in quantity when comparing measurements from different methods. Methods: Airborne pollen samples were collected continuously from February to October 2019, using two “Lanzoni” VPPS samplers at the roof-level, on the top of the building of the Faculty of Sciences located in Novi Sad. Meteorological conditions were recorded simultaneously with the automatic meteorological station measuring solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and precipitation. Results: Time series of daily pollen concentrations recorded with different inlets expressed high positive correlations. However, notable differences between signals could be observed on the hourly basis. Absolute difference between hourly values showed very weak correlation with relevant meteorological parameters: temperature, humidity, wind speed and turbulent kinetic energy. Conclusions There is a high correspondence between total pollen concentrations obtained from 10 l/minute sampling regardless the type of inlet. Meteorological conditions did not have notable influence on the sampling performance.The study has been conducted in the frame of BREATHE project financed by Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (GA no. 6039613