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Alfonsine, nestled in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, occupies a geographically significant position within the Po Valley, a vast sedimentary basin stretching across northern Italy. Its coordinates (44.5061, 12.0411) place it approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Ravenna, a coastal city, and within a predominantly flat agricultural landscape. The terrain surrounding Alfonsine is characterized by fertile plains, historically shaped by the drainage of the ancient Adriatic coastline. This flatness, while beneficial for agriculture, presents a challenge for air quality dispersion. The city sits at a relatively low elevation, around 22 meters above sea level, further hindering vertical mixing of pollutants. Alfonsine’s proximity to the Adriatic Sea introduces a maritime influence, with occasional sea breezes that can, at times, help to ventilate the area, but also contribute to coastal fog events. The surrounding landscape is dominated by intensive agricultural practices, particularly cereal cultivation and livestock farming, which can contribute to ammonia emissions. Further inland, the Po Valley’s industrial belt, though not immediately adjacent, exerts a regional influence, with pollutants transported by prevailing winds. The urban–rural gradient around Alfonsine is gradual, with smaller villages and agricultural fields seamlessly blending into the town’s periphery, meaning agricultural emissions are a constant, localized factor. The valley’s topography, combined with its agricultural and industrial context, creates a setting where air quality is particularly susceptible to seasonal variations and meteorological conditions.

Alfonsine’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s climate and meteorological conditions. Winter months (December-February) typically experience the poorest air quality. Temperature inversions, a common occurrence in the Po Valley during this period, trap pollutants near the ground, leading to stagnant air and increased concentrations of particulate matter. Cold, stable air masses also reduce vertical mixing. Fog, frequently rolling in from the Adriatic Sea, exacerbates this issue by further limiting dispersion. Spring (March-May) brings a gradual improvement as temperatures rise, and wind speeds increase, aiding in pollutant dispersal. However, agricultural activities, such as fertilizer application and tilling, contribute to ammonia emissions, which can react in the atmosphere to form secondary particulate matter. Summer (June-August) generally sees the best air quality, with frequent convective mixing and drier conditions reducing emissions. However, heatwaves can occasionally lead to ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) presents a transitional period, with a return of temperature inversions in late autumn, mirroring the winter pattern. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during winter and early spring, limiting outdoor activity on days with persistent fog or stagnant air. During the warmer months, monitoring for ozone alerts is advisable. Agricultural workers should be particularly mindful of ammonia exposure during spring and autumn, utilizing appropriate protective measures when handling fertilizers or engaging in field work. The Adriatic coastal influence means that sea breezes can offer temporary relief, but their impact is often localized.