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Tanghin-Dassouri, situated in the Centre region of Burkina Faso at coordinates 12.2667°N, -1.7167°W, is a rapidly growing urban centre experiencing the typical challenges of a developing city. The terrain is relatively flat, characteristic of the broader Sudanese savanna landscape, with a gentle slope towards the south. The city’s elevation is modest, around 280-300 meters above sea level, influencing atmospheric circulation patterns. Unlike coastal cities, Tanghin-Dassouri lacks the moderating influence of large bodies of water; it’s located inland, far from any significant rivers or lakes. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, with subsistence farming and increasingly, commercial agriculture dominating the landscape. This agricultural activity contributes to particulate matter pollution through land clearing, seasonal burning of crop residue, and dust from tilled fields. The urban-rural gradient is becoming increasingly blurred as the city expands, leading to encroachment on agricultural land and increased transportation needs. A growing informal sector, including small-scale industries and artisanal workshops, adds to localised pollution sources. The city’s position within a dry savanna climate means dust resuspension is a constant factor, exacerbated by wind patterns and limited vegetation cover. This geographical context directly impacts air quality, creating a vulnerability to both regional and local pollution sources.

Tanghin-Dassouri experiences a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly influencing air quality. The dry season, roughly from November to April, is characterised by consistently high temperatures and low humidity. This period sees the worst air quality due to increased dust resuspension from the arid landscape and the widespread practice of burning agricultural waste after the harvest. Harmattan winds, blowing from the Sahara, further exacerbate particulate matter concentrations. January and February are typically the months with the poorest air quality. The transition to the wet season, around May, brings a temporary improvement as rainfall suppresses dust and washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also lead to the formation of mould spores, impacting respiratory health. The wet season, lasting from June to October, generally offers the best air quality, although localised flooding can create stagnant water and breeding grounds for disease vectors. August and September, despite the rain, can see increased biological pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly in January and February, and take precautions during periods of heavy rainfall to avoid exposure to waterborne pathogens. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as dust plumes can rapidly change air quality.