Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Alternaria and Cladosporium Spores in the Bowl-Shaped Bingöl Basin; with Particular Emphasis on the Prevailing Winds of the Mountainous Anatolian Plateau (Eastern Turkey)

Research has demonstrated that spores of Cladosporium Link and Alternaria Nées have significant allergenic effects on individuals who are highly susceptible to allergies. Additionally, species within these two genera have an adverse impact on important agricultural crops, resulting in reduced yields. This study aimed to investigate the annual, seasonal, and diurnal fluctuations of atmospheric spores from the genera Cladosporium and Alternaria over a two-year period in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. The study was conducted in the city centre of Bingöl, using a Hirst-type sampler. A total of 25,264 Cladosporium and Alternaria spores were detected in the atmosphere during the study period. Cladosporium spores were approximately four times more abundant than Alternaria spores throughout the study. In both years, the highest spore concentrations were recorded in May. Alternaria spores exhibited concentrations above the daily allergy threshold value for only 6 days, but Cladosporium spores did not pose a risk for allergies. Main Spore Season (MSS) data were calculated for both types of spores, revealing that MSS started earlier in the first year than in the second year for Alternaria spores. The daily concentration of Cladosporium spores reached its highest level at noon, whereas Alternaria spore concentrations peaked in the morning. Evaluation of two years of daily data showed that the highest concentration of Alternaria spores occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., while Cladosporium spores peaked between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Significant differences between the two years were found for Alternaria and Cladosporium spore concentrations and related average humidity values; however, no differences were observed for other parameters. Daily Cladosporium spore concentrations exhibited a statistically significant positive correlation with wind speed and a significant negative correlation with rainfall. Due to Bingöl’s unique geographical structure, surrounded by very high mountains, peak days in the season, and timeless peaks in terms of spore concentrations, the possible origin of spore types was further evaluated using the HYSPLIT trajectory model.