Assessing the Impact of Urban Heat Island on Air Quality in Rajshahi City

Md Asadujjaman Reon, Md Rahedul Islam*, Nishat Tasnim Ananna

Abstract

Urban heat islands (UHI) and air quality are significant concerns in rapidly urbanizing areas, particularly in metropolitan Bangladesh. This research investigates how UHI impacts air quality in Rajshahi City using satellite-derived data, including MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), along with ground-based observations. Spatiotemporal analysis reveals that UHI intensity ranges from 1.09 to 4.7, with the highest values in central and southern zones. The Air Quality Index (AQI) values varied from 101 to 200, mostly categorizing these areas as "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or "unhealthy." The analysis shows a strong correlation (r = 0.682) between higher UHI intensity and increased PM2.5 levels, reflecting poorer air quality in densely built-up areas. Elevated UHI temperatures accelerate pollutant formation, particularly PM2.5. In contrast, peripheral zones with more vegetation cover had lower UHI and AQI values. These findings inform sustainable urban development strategies to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands and air pollution in the future.

Keywords: Urban Heat Island, Air Quality Index, MODIS, PM2.5, Urban Environment

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