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San Estanislao, nestled within the Bolívar Department of Colombia at coordinates 10.4000, -75.1500, is a municipality characterized by a transitional landscape between the Caribbean coastal plains and the foothills of the Serranía de San Lucas. The town’s elevation, approximately 100 meters above sea level, contributes to a warm, humid climate typical of the lower Caribbean region. The surrounding terrain is largely flat, interspersed with small hills and drained by numerous creeks feeding into the Canal del Dique, a crucial waterway connecting the Magdalena River to the Caribbean Sea. This proximity to the Canal del Dique, while vital for transport, also introduces potential for waterborne pollutants impacting local air quality through evaporation and associated aerosol formation. San Estanislao’s economy is primarily agricultural, with significant cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and livestock. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the town centre representing a concentrated area of activity surrounded by agricultural lands. Limited industrial activity exists, but small-scale processing of agricultural products contributes to localised emissions. The prevailing winds, generally from the northeast, can carry pollutants from nearby agricultural burning and potentially from larger industrial centres further inland, influencing the town’s air quality profile. The relatively low elevation and humid conditions can also exacerbate pollutant concentrations by inhibiting dispersion.

San Estanislao experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, defining its ‘seasons’ rather than traditional four-season cycles. The drier period, typically from December to April, often sees increased agricultural burning to prepare fields for planting. This leads to a peak in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations, impacting respiratory health. January and February are generally the months with the poorest air quality due to these practices and reduced rainfall for atmospheric cleansing. The wetter seasons, from May to November, bring increased rainfall and higher humidity, which generally improves air quality by washing away pollutants. However, increased moisture can also promote mold growth, impacting indoor air quality. August and September, during the peak of the rainy season, usually offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity. Temperature inversions, common during the calmer nights of the drier season, can trap pollutants near ground level, worsening air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the drier months and be mindful of indoor air quality year-round. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial, as shifts can quickly transport pollutants into the town.