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Khoyniki, nestled within Belarus’s Homyel’skaya Voblasts’, occupies a relatively flat, low-lying position in the southern part of the country, at coordinates 51.8892° N, 29.9644° E. The terrain is characteristic of the East European Plain, predominantly composed of glacial deposits and drained by a network of small rivers and streams. The city’s elevation is modest, contributing to limited natural air dispersion. Khoyniki is situated within a largely agricultural landscape, dominated by arable land and interspersed with patches of forest, particularly pine and birch. The proximity to agricultural activities introduces potential sources of particulate matter from soil disturbance and fertilizer application. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; Khoyniki is a relatively small town, quickly transitioning to open countryside. While not directly adjacent to major industrial belts, the broader Homyel region has a history of industrial activity, and long-range transport of pollutants is a factor. The Dnieper River basin influences the regional climate, providing some moisture but also potentially trapping pollutants during stable atmospheric conditions. The local topography offers little in the way of natural barriers to wind flow, but prevailing westerly winds can influence pollutant dispersal patterns. This combination of factors creates a unique air quality profile for Khoyniki.

Khoyniki experiences a continental climate, with distinct seasonal variations impacting air quality. Winter (December-February) often sees stagnant air masses and temperature inversions, trapping pollutants from residential heating – primarily wood and coal burning – leading to elevated particulate matter concentrations. Snow cover reflects sunlight, potentially exacerbating this effect. Spring (March-May) brings increased rainfall, which can temporarily improve air quality by washing pollutants from the atmosphere, but also increased agricultural activity, raising dust levels. Summer (June-August) generally offers the best air quality, with prevailing winds aiding dispersion and higher temperatures promoting pollutant breakdown, though occasional wildfires in surrounding areas can cause localised spikes. Autumn (September-November) is a transitional period. Agricultural burning of crop residue becomes a significant source of pollution, coinciding with the return of stable atmospheric conditions and increasing use of heating fuels. Fog is common during autumn mornings, trapping pollutants near the ground. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during winter and autumn months. Monitoring wind direction and avoiding periods of calm, foggy weather is advisable. The months of June, July, and August typically present the most favourable conditions for outdoor recreation.