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Kūt-e ‘Abdollāh, nestled within Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran, occupies a geographically complex position. The city’s coordinates (31.2447°N, 48.6594°E) place it within a relatively flat, arid to semi-arid landscape bordering the Hawr al-Hammar marshlands, a crucial wetland ecosystem. Elevation is low, generally under 20 meters above sea level, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The surrounding terrain is predominantly alluvial plains, formed by sediment deposition from the Kārūn and other rivers draining the Zagros Mountains to the northeast. Kūt-e ‘Abdollāh’s location within Khuzestan, a region heavily reliant on oil extraction and petrochemical industries, is a significant factor influencing air quality. While not a major industrial hub itself, the city is downwind of substantial industrial activity concentrated around Ahvaz and Abadan. Agricultural zones, particularly date palm cultivation, surround the urban area, contributing to seasonal biomass burning. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural land quickly transitioning to desert further from the city centre. This combination of flat topography, proximity to industrial sources, and agricultural practices creates a challenging environment for maintaining clean air, trapping pollutants and exacerbating dust storms common to the region.

Air quality in Kūt-e ‘Abdollāh experiences pronounced seasonal variations. Summer (June-August) brings intensely hot, dry conditions and frequent dust storms originating from the western and southwestern deserts, dramatically increasing particulate matter concentrations. These ‘shamal’ winds carry dust and sand, impacting respiratory health. Autumn (September-November) offers a brief respite with cooler temperatures and reduced wind activity, leading to improved air quality, though residual dust remains a concern. Winter (December-February) often sees temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground, particularly from domestic heating sources and regional industrial emissions. Fog can also exacerbate pollution during these months. Spring (March-May) is characterized by increasing temperatures and the potential for agricultural burning as farmers prepare fields, contributing to localized spikes in particulate matter and other pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during summer dust storms and winter inversions. March and April, before the full onset of summer heat and dust, generally offer the most favourable conditions. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; periods with winds from the northwest are likely to bring cleaner air, while those from the south and west indicate increased pollution.