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Mbulungu, nestled within the Kasaï Central province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, occupies a geographically significant position at approximately -6.0667° latitude and 21.9000° longitude. The city’s terrain is characterized by gently undulating hills and valleys, typical of the broader Central Congo Basin landscape. Elevation ranges modestly, contributing to localized microclimates and influencing air circulation patterns. Mbulungu is surrounded by a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily smallholder farms cultivating cassava, maize, and plantains, interspersed with patches of dense tropical forest. This agricultural activity, while vital for the local economy, can contribute to seasonal particulate matter emissions, particularly during harvesting and burning periods. The city’s urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the immediate periphery is dominated by rural agricultural practices, transitioning quickly to a more concentrated urban core. While Mbulungu lacks direct proximity to major rivers, it benefits from seasonal rainfall patterns characteristic of the Congo Basin, which influences humidity levels and atmospheric stability. The absence of large-scale industrial zones within or immediately adjacent to Mbulungu mitigates some industrial pollution risks, however, the reliance on biomass for cooking and heating, a common practice in the region, represents a significant localized source of air pollutants. The surrounding landscape, a blend of cultivated fields and forest, plays a crucial role in the city’s air quality, acting as both a potential source and a natural filter.

Mbulungu experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from June to October, often witnesses a noticeable increase in particulate matter concentrations. This is largely attributable to the prevalence of biomass burning for land clearing and agricultural purposes. Reduced rainfall during this period also limits the natural cleansing effect of precipitation, allowing pollutants to persist longer in the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, can trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating local air quality issues. Conversely, the wet season, from November to May, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as pollutants are washed from the atmosphere. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to increased fungal spore counts, impacting respiratory health for sensitive individuals. Fog, occasionally occurring during the transition periods between seasons, can also temporarily reduce visibility and trap pollutants. During the peak of the wet season, the increased vegetation cover can act as a natural filter, absorbing some pollutants. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, particularly from January to March. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, minimizing prolonged exposure to outdoor air, especially during periods of biomass burning. Maintaining good ventilation indoors and avoiding strenuous activity during peak pollution episodes are also advisable.