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Juan de Acosta, nestled in the Atlántico department of Colombia, occupies a geographically significant position within the Magdalena River Delta. Located at approximately 10.8333° N, 75.0333° W, the town’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the deltaic landscape, with elevations rarely exceeding 10 meters above sea level. This low-lying position makes it particularly susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, a common occurrence in the region. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields – primarily sugarcane and banana plantations – interspersed with patches of mangrove forest along the riverine edges. The Magdalena River itself exerts a powerful influence, shaping the local climate and influencing air circulation patterns. To the west lies the Caribbean Sea, contributing to a humid, maritime climate. The urban character of Juan de Acosta is that of a small, developing town, with a gradual urban–rural gradient extending outwards into the agricultural zones. While not directly situated within a major industrial belt, the sugarcane processing industry, a vital economic driver, contributes localized emissions. The proximity to Barranquilla, a larger urban center approximately 30 kilometers to the north, means that Juan de Acosta can occasionally experience the advection of pollutants from that city, particularly during periods of stagnant air. The flat topography and coastal location combine to create conditions where pollutants can linger, especially when wind speeds are low, impacting local air quality.

Juan de Acosta’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, significantly influencing air quality dynamics. The wet season, typically spanning from April to November, brings frequent rainfall and increased humidity. While rain naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by scrubbing pollutants, the increased humidity can trap particulate matter, particularly during periods of reduced wind. The dry season, from December to March, often sees a build-up of pollutants due to lower rainfall and more stable atmospheric conditions. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, are more common during the dry season, preventing vertical mixing and trapping pollutants close to the surface. The sugarcane industry’s burning practices, often employed during the dry season to prepare fields for replanting, are a significant contributor to particulate matter pollution. During these months, residents, especially those with respiratory sensitivities, should limit prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly during the early morning hours when inversions are most prevalent. The Magdalena River’s influence also plays a role; periods of low river flow can exacerbate air quality issues as the river’s natural cleansing effect diminishes. The humid conditions throughout the year can also worsen the impact of pollutants on respiratory health. While the wet season offers some respite, the combination of humidity and potential particulate matter accumulation warrants caution year-round, with the dry season presenting the greatest air quality challenges.