Diamou Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Diamou, a town in the Kayes Region of Mali, sits at approximately 14.0939°N latitude and 11.2669°W longitude, placing it within the Sahelian zone. The terrain is largely flat, characteristic of the inland Niger Delta, with a gradual rise towards the east. Diamou’s elevation is relatively low, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The town is not directly adjacent to a major body of water, though it lies within a region influenced by the Senegal River, some distance to the south. The surrounding landscape is predominantly savannah grassland, transitioning to shrubland and sparse woodland further from the town centre. Agriculture is the dominant land use, with small-scale farming of millet, sorghum, and maize prevalent. Diamou functions as a regional market centre, serving surrounding rural communities. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; the town itself is relatively compact, quickly giving way to agricultural fields and open savannah. Dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads is a significant factor influencing local air quality. The lack of substantial industrial activity within Diamou itself means that regional transport and seasonal burning are likely to be more significant pollution sources than localised emissions. The town’s location within a broad valley can also contribute to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground.

Diamou experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, roughly from November to May, is characterised by consistently high temperatures and very low humidity. This period sees the worst air quality, driven by widespread dust resuspension from agricultural activities, unpaved roads, and Harmattan winds blowing from the Sahara Desert. February and March are particularly challenging months. The lack of rainfall means pollutants accumulate, with limited natural cleansing. The wet season, from June to October, brings significant relief. Rainfall suppresses dust, and increased humidity causes particulate matter to settle. However, localised flooding can exacerbate mould growth, potentially impacting indoor air quality. August and September, the peak of the rainy season, generally offer the best air quality. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level, worsening conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exertion during the dry season, particularly in the late afternoon and early morning. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from the northeast bring Saharan dust.