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Puerto Barrios, nestled on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala within the Izabal department, occupies a strategically vital location as the country’s primary port city. Situated at approximately 15.7133° N, 88.5899° W, the city’s geography is defined by its low-lying coastal plain, averaging around 10 meters above sea level. The terrain is predominantly flat, bordering the Golfo Dulce, a deep inlet of the Caribbean Sea. This proximity to the ocean significantly influences local weather patterns and, consequently, air quality. To the west, the landscape rises gradually into the foothills of the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, a region characterized by dense tropical rainforest and rugged terrain. This reserve acts as a partial barrier, influencing wind patterns and potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. The surrounding region is a mix of agricultural lands, primarily focused on banana cultivation, and nascent industrial zones linked to the port’s activities. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city transitions quickly into agricultural areas and then into the dense rainforest. The port itself is a major driver of economic activity, but also a potential source of air pollution from shipping, cargo handling, and associated industries. The prevailing easterly trade winds, common throughout the year, generally push pollutants westward towards the Sierra de las Minas, though local topography can create pockets of stagnation. The city’s flat, expansive layout contributes to the urban heat island effect, potentially exacerbating air quality issues during warmer months.

Puerto Barrios experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting its air quality profile. The dry season, typically from February to May, often sees a slight improvement in air quality due to increased wind speeds and reduced humidity. These winds help disperse pollutants, although the lack of rainfall means there's less natural cleansing of the atmosphere. However, agricultural burning, a common practice to clear land for banana cultivation, can significantly degrade air quality during this period, particularly in the months of March and April. The wet season, from June to November, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity. While the rain helps to wash pollutants from the air, the increased humidity can trap particulate matter, especially during periods of reduced wind. Fog, a relatively common occurrence during the wet season, further exacerbates this issue, creating stagnant air conditions. The months of September and October, coinciding with the peak of the rainy season and hurricane season, often experience the poorest air quality due to a combination of factors: reduced wind speeds, increased humidity, and potential for dust storms associated with heavy rainfall. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during these periods, limiting outdoor activity and monitoring for any adverse health effects. During the transition months (May/June and November/December), air quality can be highly variable, influenced by shifting wind patterns and unpredictable rainfall.