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Puerto Rico, Caquetá, nestled within the Colombian Amazon rainforest, presents a unique geographic context for air quality. Located at coordinates 1.9142, -75.1450, the city sits at a relatively low elevation, approximately 120 meters above sea level, within the undulating terrain of the Amazonian foothills. The Caquetá River, a major waterway, flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to the dispersion of pollutants during periods of high rainfall. The surrounding landscape is dominated by dense tropical rainforest, transitioning to more open agricultural lands – primarily small-scale farming and cattle ranching – as one moves away from the urban core. Puerto Rico’s urban character is that of a regional trading hub, serving the surrounding rural communities. This concentration of activity, coupled with the increasing use of motorcycles and older vehicles, contributes to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with significant deforestation occurring in the periphery, impacting regional air circulation patterns and potentially increasing particulate matter from land clearing. The city’s position within a river valley can also exacerbate pollution events through temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. The Amazonian climate, characterised by high humidity and consistent rainfall, plays a crucial role in pollutant dispersion, but also fosters conditions for secondary pollutant formation.

Puerto Rico, Caquetá, experiences a pronounced wet and dry season rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality generally improves during the wet season (April to November) due to frequent rainfall which effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants like ozone. The driest months, December to March, consistently present the poorest air quality. This is largely due to increased dust from agricultural activities, road traffic, and the concentration of pollutants due to reduced rainfall and atmospheric mixing. Temperature inversions, common during the calmer, drier mornings, trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening conditions. Smoke from agricultural burning, a practice used for land preparation, is a significant contributor to particulate matter during the dry season, particularly February and March. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these periods. The consistent high temperatures throughout the year also contribute to ozone formation. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from the west often carry smoke from deforestation and agricultural fires, impacting air quality. Avoiding outdoor exertion during peak sunlight hours in the dry season is advisable.