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Sareh Mowndeh, nestled on the West Coast of Gambia at coordinates 13.4036, -16.6833, is a coastal settlement experiencing rapid urbanisation. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the coastal plain, with a gentle slope inland. This low elevation makes the city particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and associated coastal erosion, impacting not only infrastructure but also potentially stirring up saline dust which contributes to particulate matter in the air. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean introduces a constant supply of sea spray, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to aerosol formation. Surrounding Sareh Mowndeh are areas of intensive agriculture, particularly rice paddies, and small-scale fishing villages. While large-scale industry is limited within the immediate city limits, regional transport networks – road and increasingly air – contribute to emissions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from densely populated residential areas to agricultural land and mangrove forests. This proximity to natural ecosystems offers some buffering capacity, but also means pollutants can easily impact these sensitive environments. The prevailing winds, generally from the southwest during the wet season, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants depending on atmospheric stability. The city’s growth is largely linear, following the coastline, which concentrates pollution sources along a narrow band.

Air quality in Sareh Mowndeh follows a distinct seasonal pattern largely dictated by the West African monsoon. The dry season, roughly November to May, sees a build-up of particulate matter. Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, carry significant dust plumes southward, dramatically reducing visibility and increasing PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. January and February are typically the months with the poorest air quality. As the wet season begins in June, rainfall acts as a natural scrubber, washing pollutants from the atmosphere and improving air quality. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of mould spores, impacting respiratory health. July to September experience the heaviest rainfall and generally the cleanest air, making these months ideal for outdoor activities. October marks a transition period, with decreasing rainfall and a gradual return of dust. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler dry season nights, can trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and monitor their health closely. Local burning of agricultural waste after harvest also contributes to seasonal peaks in pollution.