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Kadaiyam, nestled in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India (8.8320° N, 77.3570° E), occupies a geographically significant position within the Eastern Ghats region. The town’s terrain is characterized by gently undulating hills and plains, typical of the Coromandel Coast’s inland areas. Its elevation, relatively modest at around 150 meters above sea level, influences local weather patterns and, consequently, air quality. Kadaiyam is surrounded by a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily dedicated to rice cultivation and pulses, interspersed with pockets of scrubland and dry deciduous forests. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, contributes to seasonal particulate matter emissions, particularly during harvest periods when burning of crop residue is practiced. The town’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal, approximately 100 kilometers to the east, introduces a maritime influence, moderating temperatures but also occasionally bringing in saline aerosols. The urban–rural gradient around Kadaiyam is gradual; the town itself is relatively small, with a population of just over 15,000, minimizing direct urban pollution sources. However, its location along regional transport corridors means it is susceptible to pollutants originating from larger industrial hubs further west, carried by prevailing winds. The surrounding landscape, a blend of agricultural fields and sparsely vegetated hills, limits dispersion of pollutants, potentially leading to localized air quality challenges, especially during periods of stagnant air. The geological composition of the region, with lateritic soils, can also influence dust generation, further impacting air quality.

Kadaiyam’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry seasonal cycle, profoundly impacting its air quality. The southwest monsoon, typically from June to September, brings substantial rainfall, effectively cleansing the atmosphere and significantly reducing particulate matter concentrations. This period generally offers the best air quality for outdoor activities. Conversely, the pre-monsoon season (March-May) is often characterized by hot, dry conditions and stagnant air, leading to a build-up of pollutants. Agricultural burning, prevalent during this time as farmers prepare fields for the monsoon, contributes significantly to elevated levels of smoke and particulate matter. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual decrease in rainfall and a return to drier conditions, with a potential for temperature inversions to trap pollutants near the ground, particularly during calmer nights. Fog, common during these months, further exacerbates the issue by reducing atmospheric mixing. Winter months (December-February) are generally mild but can experience periods of calm winds, allowing pollutants to accumulate. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, limiting prolonged outdoor exposure and avoiding strenuous activity when air quality is visibly impacted. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial. The monsoon season provides a natural respite, but even then, localized agricultural burning can temporarily degrade air quality in specific areas.