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Baní, located in the Valdesia province of the Dominican Republic (18.29° N, 70.33° W), occupies a geographically significant position within the southern plains of the island. The city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the vast coastal plain stretching along this part of the Dominican Republic. Situated approximately 85 kilometers southwest of Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital, Baní serves as a crucial agricultural hub and a growing commercial center. The surrounding landscape is dominated by fertile agricultural lands, primarily sugarcane fields and livestock pastures, extending outwards in a gradual urban-rural gradient. To the south, Baní is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, influencing local weather patterns and potentially impacting air quality through sea breezes and occasional salt spray. The city’s elevation is relatively low, averaging around 20 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants, particularly during periods of atmospheric stability. While not directly adjacent to major industrial zones, Baní’s proximity to sugarcane processing plants and its role as a transportation corridor for agricultural products contribute to localized pollution sources. The flat topography and prevailing wind patterns often channel emissions from these sources, impacting air quality within the city and surrounding communities. The region’s climate is tropical, with high temperatures and humidity year-round, further influencing the dispersion of pollutants and the formation of ground-level ozone.

Baní’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, significantly influencing its air quality profile. The dry season, typically spanning from December to April, often sees a relative improvement in air quality due to increased wind speeds and drier conditions, which facilitate pollutant dispersion. However, this period can also experience stagnant air masses, particularly during periods of high-pressure systems, leading to localized pollution episodes. The wet season, from May to November, brings increased rainfall and humidity. While rain helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, especially during periods of intense solar radiation. The months of June, July, and August are often characterized by higher humidity and temperatures, potentially leading to elevated ozone concentrations. Agricultural burning, a common practice during the transition from dry to wet season to clear fields for planting, is a significant contributor to particulate matter pollution. Sea breezes, prevalent throughout the year, can provide some ventilation, but their effectiveness is reduced during periods of atmospheric inversion, which can trap pollutants near the ground. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during periods of agricultural burning and when ozone levels are likely to be elevated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. The transition months of April/May and October/November are particularly susceptible to fluctuating air quality due to shifting weather patterns.