Radiation Research · 2009 · 11 citations · 0 references
Rwanda is a landlocked republic in Equatorial Africa. The capital Kigali can be mentioned as a typical African city due to its rising population and the rising rate of motorization. Different pollutants produced e.g. by a high-usage rate of mopeds or open fireplaces burning woods for cooking and household chores could be detected. Climatological parameters as well as air pollutants were measured within the urban area. These values indicated an UHI, which tends to rise from 1971 till 2008. Also a temporary phenomenon for the air pollution indicators is visible during the hours before sunrise. The distinctive relief caused an accumulation within small valleys called “Marais”. Unfortunately, these are the favourite places of living and agriculture. Key words: urban heat island, air pollution, suspended particulate matter 1.