Tohoué Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Tohoué, a small city in the Ouémé Department of Benin, is situated at coordinates 6.3967°N, 2.5853°E, placing it within the country’s southern region. The terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the coastal plains of southern Benin, with an elevation hovering around minimal heights above sea level. This low-lying geography contributes to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. Tohoué’s location is inland, approximately 20km from the Atlantic coastline, meaning direct marine influences on air quality are lessened, but humidity remains consistently high. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural land, primarily subsistence farming of crops like maize, cassava, and vegetables. While Tohoué isn’t a major industrial hub, the presence of small-scale processing facilities for agricultural products, alongside residential wood-burning for cooking, contributes to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city itself is relatively compact, quickly transitioning to rural farmland. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces potential for particulate matter from land preparation and seasonal burning. The lack of significant wind corridors, coupled with the humid tropical climate, can exacerbate pollutant concentrations, particularly during calmer periods. The city’s position within a broader regional network means it’s also susceptible to transboundary pollution from larger urban centres and industrial activity further afield.

Tohoué experiences a tropical climate defined by distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically from November to March, sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and increased reliance on burning for land clearing and waste disposal exacerbates the issue. Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, can transport dust and sand, further degrading air quality during these months. February and March are generally the least favourable for outdoor activity, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. The transition period, April-May, brings increasing humidity and sporadic rainfall, offering a slight improvement. The wet season, spanning June to October, generally offers the best air quality. Frequent rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, and humidity reduces dust suspension. However, stagnant air during periods of reduced rainfall within the wet season can still lead to localised build-ups of pollutants. November sees a return to drier conditions and a gradual worsening of air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and monitor their health closely. Increased ventilation indoors is advisable during peak pollution periods.