Pélézi Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Pélézi, nestled within the Sassandra-Marahoué region of Ivory Coast at coordinates 7.2817, -6.8145, is a relatively small urban centre of approximately 14,100 inhabitants. The city’s geography is defined by its location within the transition zone between the humid forests and the savanna woodlands. The terrain is gently undulating, characteristic of the broader landscape of southwestern Ivory Coast, with elevations generally remaining below 200 meters. This relatively flat topography doesn’t offer significant natural dispersion for pollutants. Pélézi is situated inland, some distance from the Atlantic coastline, mitigating the direct influence of marine aerosols but also reducing the benefits of sea breezes for pollutant removal. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, dominated by cocoa, coffee, and rubber plantations, which contribute to seasonal biomass burning. The urban-rural gradient is fairly sharp, with agricultural land immediately bordering the city limits. While Pélézi isn’t a major industrial hub, smaller-scale processing of agricultural products and local artisanal activities contribute to localised emissions. Dust from unpaved roads, common in many Ivorian towns, is a significant factor, particularly during the dry season. The concentration of population and activity within a small area exacerbates the potential for air quality issues, making understanding local emission sources crucial.

Pélézi experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from November to March, sees a significant increase in particulate matter. This is due to the prevalence of dust from unpaved roads, agricultural burning to prepare fields for the next planting season, and reduced rainfall to wash pollutants from the atmosphere. Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, can transport substantial amounts of dust southward, further degrading air quality during these months. February and March are generally the months with the poorest air quality. The transition period, April-May, brings increased humidity and sporadic rainfall, offering some temporary relief. The wet season, from June to October, generally presents the best air quality. Frequent rainfall effectively scrubs the atmosphere of pollutants, and vegetation absorbs some gaseous emissions. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of mold and fungal spores, potentially impacting respiratory health. September and October, while wet, can experience localised flooding which can stir up sediment and contribute to microbial pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should exercise caution during the dry season and monitor their health closely.