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Kīrippatti, nestled in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the southern Indian plains. Located at approximately 11.5357° N latitude and 78.4897° E longitude, the town sits at a modest elevation of around 130 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape is predominantly characterized by undulating agricultural fields, a typical feature of the fertile Kaveri delta region. This proximity to intensive agricultural zones, while supporting the local economy, contributes to potential air quality challenges related to biomass burning during harvest seasons and fertilizer application. Kīrippatti’s terrain is generally flat, which can exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind speed. The town is not directly adjacent to any major river or lake, limiting natural air purification processes through deposition. While not situated within a major industrial belt, it’s within reasonable distance of industrial areas in Madurai and Sivakasi, potentially experiencing some downwind impacts from those sources. The urban–rural gradient around Kīrippatti is gradual, with small villages and agricultural lands seamlessly blending into the town’s periphery. This characteristic influences local wind patterns and the dispersion of pollutants, often resulting in a more diffuse, rather than concentrated, pollution profile. The climate is tropical, with hot and humid conditions prevailing for much of the year, impacting atmospheric stability and pollutant behaviour. The relatively small population of 12,096 suggests a primarily agrarian economy, but increasing vehicular traffic and localized brick kilns could be emerging sources of air pollution.

Kīrippatti’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by the region’s tropical climate and monsoon patterns. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) typically witnesses the poorest air quality. High temperatures and low relative humidity create atmospheric stability, hindering vertical mixing and trapping pollutants near the ground. Agricultural burning, a common practice during this period to clear fields for the Kharif season, significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution. The monsoon season (June-September) brings relief as the southwest monsoon winds sweep across the region, dispersing pollutants and washing them out through rainfall. This period generally offers the best air quality. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual return to drier conditions, with a slight increase in pollution levels compared to the monsoon, but still significantly better than the pre-monsoon period. The winter months (December-February) are characterized by cooler temperatures and occasional fog, which can lead to temperature inversions. These inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, particularly in the mornings, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor exertion during these periods, especially during the pre-monsoon and winter mornings. Farmers should explore alternative field clearing methods to reduce biomass burning. Public awareness campaigns promoting cleaner cooking fuels and responsible agricultural practices are crucial for mitigating air pollution throughout the year, with a particular focus on minimizing burning during the pre-monsoon and winter months.