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Jamsaut, a small town nestled in the Sheohar district of Bihar, India (25.6100° N, 85.0148° E), occupies a geographically significant position within the fertile Gangetic plains. The town’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, with an average elevation of around 128 meters above sea level. This low-lying topography, while conducive to agriculture, presents challenges regarding air quality dispersion. Jamsaut is surrounded by a landscape dominated by agricultural fields – primarily rice and maize cultivation – which contribute to seasonal biomass burning. To the north, the Terai region begins, a zone of dense, alluvial soil and gradually increasing elevation, influencing local wind patterns. The Koshi River, though not directly adjacent, flows within a reasonable distance, impacting regional humidity and potentially influencing the transport of pollutants. The urban–rural gradient around Jamsaut is relatively sharp; the town itself is compact, transitioning quickly to agricultural land. While Jamsaut isn't situated near major industrial belts, it’s part of a broader agricultural region experiencing increasing mechanization and fertilizer use, both of which can impact air quality. The flat terrain and limited vertical mixing, coupled with the surrounding agricultural activity, create conditions where pollutants can accumulate, particularly during periods of stagnant air. The town’s small size means that local emissions, even from relatively minor sources, can have a disproportionate impact on air quality.

Jamsaut’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s monsoon climate. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) typically witnesses the poorest air quality. Agricultural residue burning, a common practice after the harvest of winter crops, releases significant quantities of particulate matter and other pollutants. This is exacerbated by rising temperatures and decreasing wind speeds, leading to atmospheric stability and pollutant accumulation. The summer months (April-June) are often characterized by intense heat and dry conditions, further hindering dispersion. The monsoon season (July-September) brings a welcome respite, with increased rainfall and stronger winds that effectively flush out pollutants. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased humidity and the release of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from vegetation. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a return to drier conditions and a gradual decrease in wind speeds, often leading to a resurgence of pollution levels, though generally not as severe as during the pre-monsoon period. Fog, common during the colder months (December-January), traps pollutants near the ground, creating localized episodes of poor air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, limiting outdoor activity during peak pollution periods. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purifiers is also advisable during these times. The monsoon months offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.