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Enriquillo, nestled in the southwestern Dominican Republic within the Barahona province, presents a unique geographic challenge for air quality. The city sits on the shores of Lago Enriquillo, a hypersaline lake and the largest lake in the Caribbean, situated in a closed basin. This basin is surrounded by arid and semi-arid landscapes, part of the Neiba-Bahoruco-Jaragua biogeographic region, characterised by low-lying hills and sparse vegetation. The terrain is relatively flat, contributing to limited natural air dispersion. Enriquillo’s elevation is low, around 13 meters above sea level, exacerbating the potential for temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. The urban area is small, but expanding, with a noticeable urban-rural gradient as it transitions into agricultural lands focused on subsistence farming and some livestock raising. While not a major industrial hub, local activities like salt extraction from the lake and limited processing of agricultural products contribute to particulate matter. Dust from the dry lakebed, particularly during drier periods, is a significant source of PM10. The prevailing winds, influenced by the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding topography, play a crucial role in pollutant transport and dispersion, though the basin’s enclosed nature limits their effectiveness. The city’s location within a rain shadow further contributes to the aridity and dust issues.

Enriquillo experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from December to April, is when air quality is at its worst. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and the exposed lakebed of Lago Enriquillo becomes a major source of dust, increasing particulate matter concentrations. Stronger winds during this period can exacerbate dust storms, impacting visibility and respiratory health. February and March are particularly challenging months. The transition period, May-June, sees increasing rainfall offering some relief, but also potential for localised flooding which can stir up sediment. The wet season, from July to November, generally offers the best air quality. Frequent rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, even during the wet season, localised sources like agricultural burning and vehicle emissions can contribute to temporary pollution spikes. September and October, peak hurricane season, can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, providing significant, albeit temporary, air quality improvements. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season and be prepared for potential dust exposure.