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Curití, nestled within the department of Santander, Colombia, occupies a unique geographic position at coordinates 6.6667, -73.0000. This small municipality, home to approximately 12,065 residents, is situated within the foothills of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, characterized by steep slopes and valleys carved by numerous rivers and streams that feed into the larger Magdalena River basin. This rugged topography significantly influences local air quality, creating pockets of stagnant air and hindering pollutant dispersion. Curití’s elevation, around 900 meters above sea level, contributes to cooler temperatures and increased atmospheric density. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of coffee plantations, small-scale agricultural farms, and patches of remnant cloud forest. While not heavily industrialized, the region supports some agricultural processing and small workshops. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; the town itself is compact, quickly transitioning to rural agricultural land. The proximity to agricultural activities introduces potential sources of particulate matter from land preparation, burning of agricultural waste, and pesticide application. The valley location can trap pollutants during periods of calm weather, exacerbating air quality concerns, particularly during the dry season when dust and smoke are more easily suspended.

Curití experiences a tropical highland climate, defined by two primary seasons: a wet season and a dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality in Curití is most compromised during the dry season, typically from December to February. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust resuspension from unpaved roads and agricultural lands. Agricultural burning, used for land clearing and crop residue disposal, is also more prevalent during this period, contributing significantly to particulate matter pollution. Temperature inversions, common in valley locations like Curití, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening conditions. The wet season, spanning roughly March to November, generally brings improved air quality. Rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and increased humidity reduces dust. However, even during the wet season, localized pollution can occur from vehicle emissions and small-scale industrial activity. Fog, frequent in the higher elevations, can exacerbate respiratory issues by trapping pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and periods of fog. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from agricultural areas can carry pollutants into the town. Months of March-May generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.