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Koni, nestled in the Kollam district of Kerala, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the state’s coastal belt. Located at approximately 9.2410° N latitude and 76.8784° E longitude, the town’s terrain is characterized by a gentle slope towards the Arabian Sea, a mere few kilometers to the west. This proximity to the coast significantly influences local weather patterns and, consequently, air quality. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of lush tropical vegetation, predominantly coconut groves and paddy fields, typical of Kerala’s agrarian character. Koni sits within a broader urban–rural gradient, transitioning from the denser urban areas of Kollam city to the quieter, more agricultural settings of the interior. The elevation is relatively low, rarely exceeding 30 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants during periods of atmospheric stability. While Koni itself is a smaller town, it benefits from and is impacted by the industrial activity concentrated in the Kollam region, particularly around the port and associated industries. Agricultural practices in the surrounding areas, including burning of crop residue (though increasingly regulated), can also contribute to localized air pollution episodes. The prevailing winds, generally southwesterly during the monsoon and northwesterly during the dry season, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants, shaping the town’s air quality profile. The Ashtamudi Lake, a large brackish lagoon nearby, also influences local humidity and temperature, impacting atmospheric mixing and pollutant dispersion.

Koni’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting its air quality. The southwest monsoon, typically spanning from June to September, brings abundant rainfall, which naturally acts as a cleansing agent, washing pollutants from the atmosphere and significantly improving air quality during these months. However, the onset of the monsoon can initially be accompanied by increased dust and humidity, leading to temporary discomfort. The dry season, from October to May, presents a different challenge. Reduced rainfall and lower humidity contribute to a build-up of pollutants. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months (December-February), trap pollutants near the ground, potentially leading to localized episodes of poorer air quality. Agricultural burning, though increasingly controlled, can also contribute during this period. The summer months (March-May) are characterized by high temperatures and stagnant air, further hindering pollutant dispersion. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during these periods, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and monitoring for any adverse health effects. The monsoon months generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities, while the cooler, drier months require greater vigilance. Fog, occasionally occurring during the winter months, can also exacerbate air quality issues by trapping pollutants and reducing visibility. Overall, Koni experiences a cyclical pattern of air quality, heavily influenced by the interplay of monsoon rains, temperature fluctuations, and regional agricultural practices.