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Lomas de Sargentillo, nestled within the Guayas province of Ecuador, occupies a strategically important position within the country’s coastal lowlands. Located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and primary port, it experiences a strong urban–rural gradient, transitioning from dense peri-urban development to more agricultural landscapes. The coordinates -1.8833, -80.0833 place it within a region characterized by flat, alluvial plains formed by the Guayas River and its tributaries. This terrain, historically prone to flooding, has shaped settlement patterns and land use. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of small-scale farms, sugarcane plantations, and mangrove forests along the coastline, approximately 10 kilometers to the west. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures, but also introduces maritime influences on air quality. Elevation is minimal, rarely exceeding 20 meters above sea level, which limits natural dispersion of pollutants. Guayaquil’s industrial belt, concentrated along the river and extending inland, exerts a significant influence, with industrial emissions and vehicular traffic contributing to regional air pollution. The city’s location within the larger Guayas River basin means that prevailing winds and river currents can both transport and dilute pollutants, though stagnant conditions can exacerbate local concentrations. The Lomas de Sargentillo’s position as a rapidly expanding residential area, absorbing population overflow from Guayaquil, further intensifies local pressures on air quality.

Lomas de Sargentillo’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting air quality dynamics. The dry season, typically spanning from July to November, often witnesses a relative improvement in air quality due to increased wind speeds and reduced humidity. These winds, frequently originating from the Pacific, help disperse pollutants, though prolonged periods of calm can lead to localized build-ups. Conversely, the wet season (December to June) brings increased humidity and frequent rainfall, which can initially cleanse the air by scavenging particulate matter. However, the increased cloud cover reduces solar radiation, inhibiting the photochemical reactions that break down some pollutants. Fog, common during the wet season, traps pollutants near the ground, creating stagnant air conditions, particularly in the early morning hours. The months of January and February often experience the most persistent fog, coinciding with a period of relatively lower wind speeds. Agricultural burning, a common practice in the surrounding rural areas during the dry season to clear land for planting, contributes significantly to particulate matter pollution. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during periods of fog and agricultural burning, limiting outdoor exertion and considering the use of air filtration devices. During the wet season, while rainfall offers some relief, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for some individuals. The transition periods between seasons can be particularly unpredictable, with fluctuating wind patterns and varying levels of rainfall.