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Pulūr, a small town in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India, sits at coordinates 18.1000°N, 78.8500°E. Its geography is characteristic of the Krishna Delta region – a relatively flat, fertile plain formed by the Krishna River. The town’s elevation is low, averaging around 25 meters above sea level, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. Surrounding Pulūr are extensive paddy fields, a dominant feature of the agricultural landscape, alongside pockets of sugarcane and other crops. This intensive agriculture, while vital to the local economy, introduces sources of air pollution through fertilizer use, pesticide application, and seasonal crop residue burning. The proximity to the Krishna River provides a source of irrigation but also influences local humidity and temperature, impacting pollutant behaviour. While not directly within a major industrial belt, Pulūr’s location within Andhra Pradesh places it downwind of industrial activity in nearby cities like Vijayawada and Guntur, potentially receiving transported pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; the town itself is compact, but quickly transitions to agricultural land, influencing wind patterns and pollutant diffusion. The lack of significant topographical features hinders natural ventilation, exacerbating pollution during stagnant weather conditions.

Pulūr experiences a tropical climate, with air quality fluctuating significantly between the wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from November to May, sees consistently poorer air quality. January to March are particularly challenging, with cooler temperatures leading to temperature inversions – a meteorological phenomenon trapping pollutants near the ground. Low wind speeds during these months further limit dispersion. Dust from agricultural activities and road traffic contributes significantly to particulate matter. The monsoon season, from June to October, brings relief. Heavy rainfall effectively washes away pollutants, and increased humidity causes particles to settle. However, the monsoon can also lead to localised flooding, increasing mould spore concentrations and impacting respiratory health. Post-monsoon, in October-November, a brief period of calmer conditions can see a resurgence of pollutants. For those with respiratory sensitivities, avoiding outdoor activity during the peak dry season months (January-March) is advisable. During the monsoon, while air is cleaner, precautions against waterborne diseases and mould exposure are crucial. The transition periods require increased vigilance regarding air quality.