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Péda-Houéyogbé, situated in the Mono Department of Benin, occupies a relatively flat coastal plain at approximately 6.45°N latitude and 1.93°E longitude. The city’s geography is profoundly shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, lying just a few kilometers inland. This coastal location dictates a humid tropical climate, influencing both temperature and precipitation patterns. The terrain is largely characterized by low-lying areas interspersed with lagoons and waterways, typical of Benin’s southern coastline. Surrounding Péda-Houéyogbé are extensive agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to palm oil production and subsistence farming, alongside pockets of mangrove forests closer to the ocean. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city itself is a growing commercial hub, but quickly transitions to rural agricultural landscapes. This proximity to agricultural activity introduces potential sources of particulate matter from land clearing and burning practices. Furthermore, the coastal location means the city is susceptible to the transport of marine aerosols, impacting air composition. The Mono River’s influence, though not directly adjacent, contributes to humidity and potential for localised pollutant dispersion. Industrial activity is limited within Péda-Houéyogbé itself, but regional transport networks mean pollutants from larger industrial centres can be carried by prevailing winds.

Péda-Houéyogbé experiences a distinct wet and dry season cycle, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from November to March, sees a concentration of pollutants due to reduced rainfall and increased dust from the surrounding agricultural lands. Harmattan winds, blowing from the Sahara, exacerbate particulate matter levels during this period, impacting visibility and respiratory health. January and February are often the months with the poorest air quality. The transition period, March to April, brings increased humidity and sporadic rainfall, offering a brief respite. The wet season, spanning May to October, generally provides the best air quality. Frequent rainfall effectively washes away airborne pollutants, and higher humidity reduces dust suspension. However, stagnant air during periods of reduced rainfall within the wet season can lead to localised build-ups of pollutants. August and September, while wet, can experience these conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activity on particularly dusty days. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from the north bring Saharan dust, while those from the ocean carry marine aerosols. Maintaining good ventilation indoors and using air filtration can mitigate exposure.