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Sonāgāzi, nestled within the Chattogram District of Bangladesh, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Situated at coordinates 22.8518°N, 91.3916°E, the city occupies a low-lying coastal plain, characteristic of much of southeastern Bangladesh. The terrain is predominantly flat, a deltaic landscape formed by the confluence of numerous rivers and streams flowing from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This proximity to the Bay of Bengal introduces high humidity and saline air, impacting atmospheric chemistry. Sonāgāzi’s urban character is that of a developing market town, serving a largely agricultural hinterland. Surrounding the city are extensive rice paddies and agricultural lands, with pockets of mangrove forests along the coastal fringes. While not a major industrial hub itself, Sonāgāzi is within reach of industrial activity concentrated further north in Chattogram city, and the port area. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from densely populated areas to agricultural fields. This combination of factors – coastal location, flat terrain, agricultural practices, and regional industrial influence – creates a complex environment where pollutants can accumulate and disperse in specific patterns, directly affecting local air quality. The low elevation also makes the area vulnerable to tidal surges and flooding, which can redistribute pollutants.

Sonāgāzi experiences a tropical monsoon climate, dictating a distinct wet and dry season pattern that profoundly impacts air quality. The dry season, roughly November to March, sees lower rainfall and cooler temperatures, leading to increased concentrations of particulate matter. Dust from agricultural activities and brick kilns (common in the region) remains suspended longer, and temperature inversions can trap pollutants near the ground. January and February are typically the months with the poorest air quality. The pre-monsoon period (March-May) brings rising temperatures and humidity, potentially exacerbating ozone formation. The arrival of the monsoon in June marks a significant improvement in air quality. Heavy rainfall effectively washes away pollutants, and increased wind speeds aid dispersion. However, the monsoon also brings increased humidity, which can promote the formation of secondary pollutants. September and October, as the monsoon weakens, can see a resurgence of particulate matter as agricultural burning increases. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season and periods of agricultural burning. Staying indoors during peak pollution times and using air purifiers are recommended preventative measures.