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Shāhbāzpur, nestled within the Chattogram District of Bangladesh (coordinates 24.0517° N, 91.1733° E), occupies a geographically complex position significantly influencing its air quality. Situated near the Karnaphuli River, a major waterway and port, the city benefits from proximity to water but also faces challenges related to riverine transport and potential industrial runoff. The surrounding landscape is a blend of undulating hills and fertile plains, characteristic of the Chittagong Hill Tracts’ foothills. This terrain, while visually appealing, contributes to localized air stagnation, particularly during periods of low wind speed. Shāhbāzpur’s elevation is relatively low, averaging around 15-20 meters above sea level, which exacerbates the trapping of pollutants close to the ground. The urban-rural gradient transitions rapidly, with agricultural zones and smaller villages bordering the city, introducing agricultural emissions like burning crop residue, a common practice that significantly impacts air quality. Further afield, the industrial belt surrounding Chattogram, a major commercial hub, contributes to regional pollution that drifts into Shāhbāzpur. The city’s location within a monsoon-influenced climate means it experiences high humidity and rainfall, which can temporarily cleanse the air, but also creates conditions conducive to fog formation, trapping pollutants. The prevailing wind patterns, often influenced by the Bay of Bengal, can either disperse or concentrate pollutants depending on their direction and strength, making air quality a dynamic and location-specific concern.

Shāhbāzpur’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by its tropical monsoon climate. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) typically witnesses the poorest air quality. Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall lead to atmospheric stability, fostering temperature inversions where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, preventing vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants. Agricultural burning intensifies during this period as farmers prepare fields, releasing significant particulate matter. The monsoon season (June-September) brings relief as heavy rainfall washes away pollutants and strong winds disperse them. However, increased humidity can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a respiratory irritant, particularly on sunny days following rainfall. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual return to drier conditions, with a resurgence of agricultural burning and a potential for fog, especially in November, further degrading air quality. December and January are generally the most favourable months for outdoor activity, with cooler temperatures, higher wind speeds, and less agricultural activity. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, limiting outdoor exposure and avoiding strenuous activity when air quality is visibly poor. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also provide some protection.