Distance-decay Relationships of Air Pollutant Concentrations Near Open Waste Burning Sites in Nairobi, Kenya: Evidence from Kibera
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Date
2026-04
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Asian Journal of Geographical Research
Abstract
Open waste burning in informal settlements contributes to localized air pollution, posing significant health
risks. This study investigated the distance-decay relationship of air pollutant concentrations near open waste
burning sites in Kibera, Nairobi City County, Kenya. Air samples were collected at 21 sampling points across
three distance ranges (0–500 m, 500–1000 m, and >1000 m) from active burning sites over a two-month
period in 2025. Pollutants measured included PM₂. ₅, SO₂, CO₂, and CH₄, using calibrated portable and fixed
air quality monitors. Data were analyzed using linear regression and one-way ANOVA to examine
relationships between pollutant concentrations and distance. PM₂. ₅ levels were highest within 0–500 m,
reaching 150 µg/m³ ten times the WHO 24-hour guideline of 15 µg/m³ and decreased to 45 µg/m³ beyond
1000 m. SO₂ exhibited a similar decline from 55 ppb to 15 ppb. Regression analysis indicated a significant
negative relationship between distance and pollutant concentration (R² = 0.530), while ANOVA confirmed
differences across zones (F = 49.521, p < 0.001). CO₂ and CH₄ showed more gradual declines but remained...
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Ngeno, N., & Kitur, E. (2026). Distance-decay Relationships of Air Pollutant Concentrations Near Open Waste Burning Sites in Nairobi, Kenya: Evidence from Kibera. Asian Journal of Geographical Research, 9(2), 125–147. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajgr/2026/v9i2390