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Capurso, nestled in the heart of Puglia, Italy, occupies a strategic position within the Murge plateau, a landscape characterised by rolling hills and karst formations. Located approximately 15km inland from the Adriatic Sea (coordinates 41.0500, 16.9167), the town benefits from a moderate Mediterranean climate but is also susceptible to specific air quality challenges. The surrounding terrain is predominantly agricultural, with extensive olive groves and cereal fields dominating the landscape. This agricultural activity, while vital to the regional economy, contributes to particulate matter pollution through tilling, harvesting, and the use of agricultural machinery. Capurso’s elevation, around 140 meters above sea level, influences local wind patterns and can contribute to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. The proximity to Bari, a major industrial and port city, introduces a potential for long-range transport of pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with Capurso representing a smaller urban centre surrounded by a predominantly rural backdrop. This creates a complex interplay between local emissions and regional atmospheric conditions, impacting the town’s overall air quality profile. The geological composition of the Murge, rich in limestone, also influences dust dispersion.

Capurso’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Summer months (June-August) often experience relatively cleaner air, driven by prevailing sea breezes from the Adriatic which help disperse pollutants. However, high temperatures can exacerbate ozone formation, particularly on still, sunny days. Autumn (September-November) sees a deterioration in air quality as agricultural activities intensify – olive harvesting and the preparation of fields for winter crops release significant particulate matter. This period is often marked by increased humidity and the potential for low-level temperature inversions, trapping pollutants. Winter (December-February) brings cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight, leading to increased reliance on wood and fossil fuel heating, contributing to higher levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Fog, common during these months, further exacerbates the issue. Spring (March-May) is a transitional period, with fluctuating conditions. March can be dusty due to agricultural work, while April and May generally offer improving air quality as temperatures rise and rainfall increases. Sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should be particularly cautious during autumn and winter months, limiting strenuous outdoor activity on days with poor visibility or reported pollution episodes.