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Tena, nestled in the Napo Province of Ecuador, occupies a strategically significant position within the Amazon rainforest basin. Located at approximately -0.9890° latitude and -77.8159° longitude, the city sits at an elevation of roughly 590 meters (1,936 feet) above sea level, placing it within a transitional zone between the Andean foothills and the lowlands of the Amazon. The surrounding landscape is dominated by dense tropical rainforest, characterized by steep slopes, numerous rivers, and a high degree of biodiversity. The Tena River, a major tributary of the Napo River, flows directly through the city, influencing local microclimates and providing a vital water source. The urban character of Tena is relatively small-scale, reflecting its role as a regional hub for agriculture, ecotourism, and transportation within the province. While limited industrial activity exists, primarily related to timber processing and small-scale agriculture (plantain, coffee, cacao), the dominant land use surrounding Tena is rural, with a gradual urban–rural gradient extending outwards. This proximity to agricultural zones introduces potential sources of air pollutants, including agricultural burning practices, though these are generally localized. The terrain, with its steep slopes and valley formations, can also influence air circulation patterns, potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. The city’s location within the Amazon basin means it experiences high humidity and frequent rainfall, which can naturally cleanse the air, but also contribute to fog formation, impacting visibility and potentially trapping pollutants close to the ground.

Tena’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern rather than the four traditional seasons, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from June to November, often sees a slight increase in particulate matter. This is largely attributable to increased agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue management in the surrounding rural areas. While rainfall generally helps to mitigate pollution, the reduced precipitation during the dry season allows these emissions to persist for longer periods. Fog, frequently occurring during the cooler mornings of the dry season, can exacerbate this issue by trapping pollutants near the ground, reducing air quality and visibility. Conversely, the wet season (December to May) brings frequent and often intense rainfall, effectively flushing pollutants from the atmosphere and leading to significantly improved air quality. Higher temperatures and increased wind speeds during the wet season also contribute to better dispersion of any remaining pollutants. The months of July and August, coinciding with the peak of the dry season and often experiencing more persistent fog, are generally periods when outdoor activities should be approached with caution, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these times. While the wet season offers a respite from poorer air quality, heavy rainfall can occasionally stir up dust and sediment, temporarily impacting air quality, though this is typically short-lived.