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Owendo, a coastal city in Estuaire Province, Gabon, occupies a crucial position on the mainland opposite Libreville, forming part of the Greater Libreville metropolitan area. Situated at coordinates 0.2912, 9.5047, Owendo’s geography is defined by its low-lying coastal plain, gently sloping towards the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is largely flat, with limited elevation changes, influencing air dispersion patterns. The city’s proximity to the Komo River estuary and the Atlantic provides a significant source of humidity and influences local wind patterns. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Owendo transitions quickly from densely populated areas to mangrove forests and coastal vegetation. A key factor impacting air quality is the concentration of industrial activity, particularly the Owendo Industrial Zone, which includes oil storage facilities and processing plants. This zone, combined with port activities handling significant cargo traffic, contributes to localised emissions. Agricultural zones are present further inland, but their impact on Owendo’s immediate air quality is less pronounced than the industrial sector. The prevailing winds, generally from the ocean, can either dilute or concentrate pollutants depending on seasonal shifts and atmospheric stability. The city’s rapid urbanisation and increasing vehicle traffic further exacerbate pollution challenges.

Owendo experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing air quality. The dry season, roughly June to September, sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and drier conditions facilitate the suspension of dust and industrial emissions. Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, can transport dust plumes, further degrading air quality during this period. October to May constitutes the wet season, bringing significant rainfall and increased humidity. This period generally offers improved air quality as rain washes away pollutants. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of photochemical smog, particularly near industrial areas. Temperature inversions, common during the transition periods between wet and dry seasons, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening conditions. November and December often experience localised flooding, potentially releasing contaminants from stagnant water. For sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – avoiding outdoor activity during the peak of the dry season (July-August) is advisable. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; onshore winds during dry periods will carry more pollutants. Staying indoors during periods of high industrial activity is also recommended.