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Mūlki, a coastal town in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India, occupies a unique geographic position that significantly influences its air quality. Situated at approximately 13.1000° N latitude and 74.8000° E longitude, the town lies on the western edge of the Konkan coastal plain, a region characterized by undulating terrain and a gradual transition from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea. The elevation is relatively low, averaging around 30 meters above sea level, minimizing the potential for natural air dispersion through altitude. The Arabian Sea exerts a strong maritime influence, moderating temperatures and contributing to humidity, but also introducing sea salt aerosols which can impact particulate matter composition. Surrounding Mūlki is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily rice paddies and coconut groves, interspersed with small villages and pockets of cashew plantations. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, can contribute to seasonal biomass burning and fugitive dust emissions. Further inland, the foothills of the Western Ghats provide a backdrop, influencing local wind patterns and potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. The urban–rural gradient is relatively smooth, with Mūlki itself exhibiting a small-town character, lacking the dense industrial zones found in larger metropolitan areas. However, its proximity to Udupi, a growing urban center, means it is susceptible to spillover effects from industrial activity and increased vehicular traffic along connecting roadways. The coastal location also makes it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and altered precipitation patterns, which could indirectly affect air quality through changes in vegetation cover and erosion.

Mūlki’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from October to May, is characterized by lower rainfall and higher temperatures. During these months, particularly February and March, stagnant air conditions and temperature inversions are more frequent, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. Agricultural burning, often practiced to clear fields for the next planting season, contributes significantly to particulate matter pollution during this period. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings relief through frequent rainfall, effectively scrubbing the atmosphere and reducing pollutant concentrations. However, the onset of the monsoon can also be accompanied by increased dust from wind-driven erosion of exposed soil, and localized flooding can release pollutants from stagnant water sources. Fog, common during the cooler months (December-January), further exacerbates air quality issues by reducing visibility and trapping pollutants. The summer months (April-May) are generally the most challenging, with high temperatures and reduced wind speeds leading to pollutant accumulation. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activities during these periods, especially during the morning and evening when pollutant levels are typically highest. During the monsoon, caution should be exercised near areas prone to flooding, and individuals with allergies should be mindful of increased pollen counts. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation and air purification can be beneficial throughout the year, but particularly during periods of elevated pollution.