SOME FEATURES OF AITKEN NUCLEI IN NAIROBI

Abstract

Abstract-Measurements of Aitken nuclei in Nairobi were made using the small particle detector from November 1981to July 1982in the industrial area and four stations at varying distances from the centre of the industrial area. The industrial area had a concentration that was on average a factor of two higher than of the residential estates. The concentration was found to decrease with increasing distance from the industrial area. Concentration values depict a monthly variation with dry months recording a higher concentration than the wet months. The Aitken nuclei were found to be a good indicator of industrial pollution in the city, as a good correlation was found between the Aitken concentrations and total suspended particulate concentration values in the industrial area over the same period. The monthly variation of the Aitken nuclei were found to follow closely the annual wind and stability patterns.