Intra-urban air pollution in a rapidly growing Sahelian city

In this paper we analyze spatial and temporal variations of air pollution (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, CO, NOx, O3, Toluene and Benzene) and climate in areas of different development typology in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Analyses are based on measurements from fixed sites and car traverse measurements during field studies in 2007 and 2010. Large spatial and temporal variations were found, showing a generally poor air quality situation, with extreme levels of PM10, commonly exceeding air quality guidelines of WHO. Pollution levels increase considerably with increased atmospheric stability. Important sources were transported dust and re-suspension of dust from unpaved roads, but also traffic emissions and biomass burning. The spatial variations are examined with focus on effects for variations in potential exposure depending on for example area of residence and daily activity pattern, showing that great differences are likely to exist. Ouagadougou, like most developing countries worldwide, currently experiences an extremely rapid population growth in combination with limited financial means. This is likely to create increasingly harmful air pollution situations for the rapidly growing populations of these areas, and shows an urgent need for increased understanding of the pollution situation as well as development of mitigation strategies.

► We study spatial and temporal variations of climate and air pollution in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
► A poor to very poor air quality situation with large spatial and temporal variations was found.
► Pollution concentrations increase considerably with atmospheric stability.
► Important sources were road dust, traffic and biomass burning.
► Exposure situation can be expected to vary considerably within urban population.