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Calceta, Manabí, Ecuador, nestled at approximately -0.8400 latitude and -80.1700 longitude, occupies a geographically significant position within the Ecuadorian coastal lowlands. The city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Manabí province, facilitating urban sprawl but also presenting challenges for air circulation. Calceta sits relatively close to the Pacific Ocean, approximately 15 kilometers inland, influencing humidity levels and coastal breezes that can both disperse and concentrate pollutants. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of small-scale agriculture – primarily banana and sugarcane plantations – and patches of secondary forest. This agricultural activity contributes to localized emissions, particularly during harvest seasons when machinery use intensifies. To the east, the land gradually rises towards the foothills of the Andes, creating a potential barrier to airflow, especially during periods of stable atmospheric conditions. The urban–rural gradient around Calceta is relatively sharp; the city transitions quickly into agricultural land, with limited industrial zones directly adjacent. However, larger industrial areas, including processing plants related to the agricultural sector, are located within a 50-kilometer radius, impacting regional air quality and occasionally affecting Calceta. The elevation of Calceta, at a modest 15 meters above sea level, means it is susceptible to sea breezes and coastal fog, which can trap pollutants near the surface. The lack of significant topographic relief within the immediate vicinity limits natural ventilation, potentially exacerbating air quality issues during periods of stagnant air.

Calceta’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, significantly influencing its air quality profile. The dry season, typically spanning from July to November, often sees a slight improvement in air quality due to reduced rainfall and lower humidity. However, this period can also experience periods of stagnant air, particularly when high-pressure systems dominate, leading to temperature inversions. These inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, increasing the concentration of particulate matter and gaseous emissions. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, is more prevalent during the dry season, further contributing to air pollution episodes. The wet season, from December to June, brings frequent rainfall, which naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter. However, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. Fog, common during the wet season, particularly in the early morning hours, can trap pollutants, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. Months like January and February, with consistently high humidity and frequent fog, should be approached with caution by individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. During these periods, limiting outdoor exertion and ensuring adequate ventilation indoors is advisable. The prevailing winds, generally from the west off the Pacific Ocean, play a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, but their effectiveness is diminished during periods of atmospheric stability. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality and should take extra precautions during periods of stagnant air or high humidity.