Daily and spatial variation of particulate matter air pollution in industrial, urban and rural areas from central Burkina Faso

Particulate air pollution is a major health and environmental concern facing countries worldwide. Burkina Faso represents a typical case of an industrially recovering nation, where the characteristics of particulate matter pollution vary across urban and rural areas. This study aimed to determine the level of PM air pollution and their daily and spatial vairiation in industrial (Kossodo and Polesgo), urban (Nioko 2) and rural (Saponé) areas from central Burkina Faso. PM were measured using a Grimm dust monitor model 11-D dust meter during the months of March and April 2025. The results showed twenty-four hours (24 h) average levels up to 7, 5 and 4 times the national air quality guidelines recorded for TSP at Kossodo, Polesgo and Nioko 2 respectively. For PM 10 , daily average levels exceeding >22, 12 and 12 times the WHO normative thresholds were recorded respectively at Kossodo, Polesgo and Nioko 2. PM levels also reached values of 4, 2 and 3 times the WHO standards for PM 2.5 at Kossodo, Polesgo and at Nioko 2. Although there is no standard for PM 1 , levels exceeding the daily standard for PM 2.5 were recorded at Kossodo, Polesgo and Nioko 2. Daily average levels of TSP, PM 10 and PM 2.5 differed significantly depending on the measurement site ( p < 0.05). Daily variation of PM concentrations showed that mornings and evenings in all areas are the most polluted, with pollution increasing during nighttime. This study provides new data on PM pollution levels and their daily and spatial variation in industrial and urban areas. It demonstrates a real need to establish a program for controlling and reducing atmospheric emissions in order to to preserve the health of the populations.