"Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Allergenic Pollen in Subtropical Coastal Hubs: A Comparative Analysis of Charleston and Tampa (2023–2024)"
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Atin Adikari
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
Completed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Department
Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences
Abstract
Background: Climate change is significantly altering pollen phenology and allergenicity, posing a critical threat to public health particularly regarding atopic asthma. Despite this, data remains sparse for vulnerable coastal urban centers. This study assesses allergenic pollen dynamics in two high-asthma-burden regions: Charleston, SC (subtropical) and Tampa, FL (tropical).
Methods: Utilizing National Allergy Bureau data (2023–2024), we analyzed seven key taxa: Acer, Betula, Juniper, Grass, Liquidambar, Pine, and Quercus. Descriptive statistical analysis via SAS was employed to evaluate inter-annual variations in pollen loads ($grains/m^3$).
Results: Preliminary analysis for Tampa indicated the following pollen loads (pollen/m3, means± SD) in 2023: Juniper (66.04±59.64), Grass (3.65±1.38), Pine (21.42±16.62), and Quercus (480.24±661.67). Corresponding 2024 loads were Juniper (171.94±149.39), Grass (3.5±1.80), Pine (74.08±95.43), and Quercus (412.52±557.49). For Charleston in 2023: Acer (8.70±9.98), Betula (2.76±1.97), Juniper (5.54±6.12), Grass (7.85±6.94), Liquidambar (24.93±30.85), Pine (83.4±159.29), and Quercus (99.62±159.01). The 2024 loads were Acer (17.28±24.39), Betula (6.00±7.07), Juniper (3.71±4.20), Grass (5.32±4.56), Liquidambar (19.25±13.08), Pine (64.24±171.59), and Quercus (54.93±94.70).
Conclusions: Distinct, year-over-year fluctuations in dominant allergens suggest shifting atmospheric profiles in coastal environments. These variations, alongside identified data gaps, emphasize an urgent need for longitudinal, high-resolution pollen monitoring to inform public health interventions and clinical management of asthma in these regions.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Gakpo, Jacob O., ""Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Allergenic Pollen in Subtropical Coastal Hubs: A Comparative Analysis of Charleston and Tampa (2023–2024)"" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 205.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/205
"Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Allergenic Pollen in Subtropical Coastal Hubs: A Comparative Analysis of Charleston and Tampa (2023–2024)"
Russell Union Ballroom
Background: Climate change is significantly altering pollen phenology and allergenicity, posing a critical threat to public health particularly regarding atopic asthma. Despite this, data remains sparse for vulnerable coastal urban centers. This study assesses allergenic pollen dynamics in two high-asthma-burden regions: Charleston, SC (subtropical) and Tampa, FL (tropical).
Methods: Utilizing National Allergy Bureau data (2023–2024), we analyzed seven key taxa: Acer, Betula, Juniper, Grass, Liquidambar, Pine, and Quercus. Descriptive statistical analysis via SAS was employed to evaluate inter-annual variations in pollen loads ($grains/m^3$).
Results: Preliminary analysis for Tampa indicated the following pollen loads (pollen/m3, means± SD) in 2023: Juniper (66.04±59.64), Grass (3.65±1.38), Pine (21.42±16.62), and Quercus (480.24±661.67). Corresponding 2024 loads were Juniper (171.94±149.39), Grass (3.5±1.80), Pine (74.08±95.43), and Quercus (412.52±557.49). For Charleston in 2023: Acer (8.70±9.98), Betula (2.76±1.97), Juniper (5.54±6.12), Grass (7.85±6.94), Liquidambar (24.93±30.85), Pine (83.4±159.29), and Quercus (99.62±159.01). The 2024 loads were Acer (17.28±24.39), Betula (6.00±7.07), Juniper (3.71±4.20), Grass (5.32±4.56), Liquidambar (19.25±13.08), Pine (64.24±171.59), and Quercus (54.93±94.70).
Conclusions: Distinct, year-over-year fluctuations in dominant allergens suggest shifting atmospheric profiles in coastal environments. These variations, alongside identified data gaps, emphasize an urgent need for longitudinal, high-resolution pollen monitoring to inform public health interventions and clinical management of asthma in these regions.
