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Pedernales, a coastal city in Manabí Province, Ecuador, occupies a geographically sensitive position. Located at coordinates 0.0700, -80.0550, the city sits very close to the Pacific Ocean, experiencing a humid tropical climate heavily influenced by maritime air masses. The terrain is relatively flat, transitioning from sandy beaches and coastal plains inland to gently rolling hills. This low elevation, combined with its coastal location, makes Pedernales particularly vulnerable to the transport of pollutants from both marine sources and inland activities. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural zones, primarily focused on banana and palm oil production, alongside burgeoning shrimp farming. While Pedernales isn’t a major industrial hub, regional agricultural processing and the associated transport networks contribute to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city centre is densely populated, while the periphery quickly gives way to agricultural land. This proximity means pollutants from agricultural practices – pesticides, fertilizers, and biomass burning – can readily impact air quality within the city. The prevailing winds, generally from the Pacific, can carry sea salt and potentially pollutants from shipping lanes, while land breezes can trap pollutants closer to the urban area, exacerbating local air quality issues. The lack of significant topographical features to disperse pollutants further compounds the challenge.

Pedernales experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically from June to November, sees a concentration of particulate matter due to increased dust from agricultural activities and drier conditions facilitating biomass burning for land clearing. Reduced rainfall also means less atmospheric cleansing. This period often experiences lower wind speeds, leading to pollutant build-up. December to May marks the wet season, bringing frequent rainfall that effectively washes pollutants from the air, resulting in generally improved air quality. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of mold and fungal spores, potentially impacting respiratory health. February and March often see higher humidity and calmer winds, creating conditions for localised pollutant accumulation. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should be particularly cautious during the dry season, limiting strenuous outdoor activity. The transition months (May/June and November/December) can be unpredictable, with fluctuating air quality. Monitoring local conditions and avoiding outdoor exertion during peak heat hours is advisable. Fog, common in the early mornings, can trap pollutants near the ground, worsening conditions.