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Montalvo, nestled within the Los Ríos province of Ecuador, occupies a geographically significant position in the coastal lowlands. Located at coordinates -1.7900, -79.2875, the city’s terrain is largely flat, characteristic of the Guayas River basin, though gently undulating hills begin to rise further inland. The city’s elevation is relatively low, contributing to the warm, humid climate typical of this region. Montalvo is situated approximately 20km inland from the Pacific coastline, influencing its climate and potential for marine air masses. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural land, primarily dedicated to banana, cacao, and palm oil plantations – a key economic driver for the region. This intensive agriculture, while vital to the local economy, presents a potential source of particulate matter from field burning and pesticide application. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; Montalvo itself is a relatively small city of around 16,248 inhabitants, quickly transitioning to rural agricultural landscapes. There are no major industrial belts within Montalvo itself, but regional processing facilities for agricultural products are present in nearby towns, potentially contributing to localized pollution transported by prevailing winds. The proximity to the Guayas River also introduces humidity and can influence the dispersion of pollutants, sometimes trapping them during stable atmospheric conditions.

Montalvo experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality concerns are most pronounced during the dry season, typically from June to November. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust resuspension from agricultural activities and unpaved roads, elevating particulate matter levels. The drier air also inhibits the natural scavenging of pollutants. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, can trap pollutants near ground level, exacerbating air quality issues. Conversely, the wet season (December to May) generally offers improved air quality. Frequent rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and higher humidity promotes pollutant deposition. However, the wet season can also bring increased fungal spores, potentially impacting respiratory health. March and April are typically the wettest months, offering the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting strenuous outdoor activity on days with visible haze or dust. Monitoring local conditions and staying indoors when air quality is poor is advisable. The prevailing winds, generally from the west, can transport pollutants from coastal areas inland, impacting Montalvo’s air quality.