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Mallikkundam, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, rests at coordinates 11.8715°N, 77.9227°E, within the broader Kongu Nadu region. Its geography is defined by the relatively flat plains characteristic of the western Tamil Nadu landscape, transitioning towards the foothills of the Western Ghats further west. The town’s elevation is modest, contributing to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. The Noyyal River, a tributary of the Kaveri, flows nearby, though its water quality and flow are subject to seasonal variations and agricultural runoff. Mallikkundam is surrounded by a mix of agricultural land – primarily coconut, paddy, and sugarcane cultivation – and increasingly, small-scale industrial activity related to textile processing and agricultural produce. This blend is a key determinant of its air quality. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; the town itself is compact with a population of approximately 11,684, but is embedded within a largely rural agricultural matrix. This proximity means that seasonal agricultural practices, like crop residue burning, directly impact local air quality. The lack of significant topographical features hinders the flushing of pollutants, making Mallikkundam susceptible to localized pollution build-up, particularly during calmer weather conditions. The town’s position within the Tamil Nadu basin also influences temperature and humidity, affecting pollutant chemistry and dispersion.

Mallikkundam experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing air quality. The dry season, from January to May, sees consistently higher particulate matter concentrations due to reduced rainfall and increased dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads. February and March are typically the worst months, with dry winds carrying pollutants across the region. The southwest monsoon arrives in June, bringing relief with cleansing rains, significantly improving air quality. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The northeast monsoon, from October to December, is the primary rainfall season, further washing away pollutants, but also contributing to damp conditions that can trap pollutants near the ground. November generally offers the cleanest air. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months (December-January), exacerbate pollution by trapping pollutants at ground level. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season and periods of calm weather. During the monsoon, while air is cleaner, the risk of waterborne diseases increases, requiring caution. Fog, though infrequent, can also contribute to localized pollution build-up in the cooler months.