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Quibaxi, nestled within the Bengo Province of Angola, occupies a geographically significant position just northeast of the capital, Luanda. Located at approximately -8.5000 latitude and 14.5833 longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by a gently undulating landscape transitioning from coastal plains to the foothills of the Central African Plateau. This gradual elevation change, though modest, influences local air circulation patterns. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of dense tropical forests, interspersed with small-scale agricultural plots and emerging commercial plantations, primarily focused on oil palm and coffee cultivation. This proximity to agricultural zones introduces potential sources of biomass burning, particularly during land clearing and harvesting periods. Quibaxi’s location near the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures but also introduces the possibility of coastal fog and humidity, which can trap pollutants under certain atmospheric conditions. The urban–rural gradient around Quibaxi is relatively sharp; the city itself is compact, but its influence extends outwards, impacting air quality in nearby rural communities through agricultural practices and transportation emissions. The Bengo Province is also a corridor for industrial activity, with some light manufacturing and processing facilities situated along the main transportation routes, contributing to localized pollution hotspots. The prevailing winds generally blow from the southwest, carrying maritime air inland, but these patterns can be disrupted by regional weather systems and topography, creating complex air quality dynamics.

Quibaxi’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from June to October, often witnesses a noticeable increase in particulate matter. This is largely attributable to increased biomass burning associated with agricultural activities – land preparation for planting and post-harvest clearing. Reduced rainfall during this period also limits the natural cleansing effect of precipitation, allowing pollutants to accumulate. The dry air also encourages dust lifting from exposed soil, further contributing to particulate pollution. Conversely, the wet season, from November to May, brings more frequent rainfall, which effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, leading to improved air quality. However, periods of prolonged rainfall can be accompanied by increased humidity, which can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. Fog, particularly during the transition months (May and November), can form under stable atmospheric conditions, trapping pollutants close to the ground. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath warmer air, are less frequent but can occur, especially during the dry season, further hindering vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants. During the wet season, the increased cloud cover can reduce solar radiation, impacting photochemical reactions that form ozone. Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Children and the elderly are also more vulnerable and should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these times.