Spatiotemporal variation and long-range transport of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores in a bowl-shaped basin of Eastern Anatolia (Türkiye)
摘要
Spores of Cladosporium and Alternaria are significant airborne allergens and major agricultural pathogens. This study evaluates the seasonal, intra-diurnal, and transport-related dynamics of these taxa over a two-year period (2018–2019) in Bingöl, eastern Anatolia. Atmospheric sampling was conducted using a Hirst-type volumetric trap, and the influence of meteorological factors and air mass transport was assessed using statistical analyses and HYSPLIT back-trajectory modeling. Cladosporium was approximately four times more abundant than Alternaria, and both taxa exhibited peak concentrations in May. Alternaria exceeded the clinical allergy threshold (100 spores/m3) on six days, whereas Cladosporium remained below its critical threshold (3000 spores/m3) throughout the study period. Mean temperature was identified as the primary meteorological driver of spore concentrations, and a significant delayed response to precipitation was observed, with concentrations increasing following a 1–3-day lag. A clear intra-diurnal pattern was observed, with Alternaria peaking in the morning predominantly under northerly winds, whereas Cladosporium reached maximum levels in the afternoon mainly under southerly air masses. HYSPLIT analysis indicated that peak episodes were associated with air masses originating from the southern sector, particularly over the Mesopotamian plains. An anomalous early-season peak of Alternaria in February, occurring during periods of local dormancy and snow cover, was associated with air masses originating from the southern sector. Vertical trajectory profiles showed that air masses approached the study area at low altitudes with a consistent descending pattern. These findings highlight the combined influence of local meteorology, basin morphology, and regional air mass transport on airborne spore dynamics.