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Bédigoazon, nestled within the Montagnes region of Ivory Coast at coordinates 6.5663° N, -7.7204° W, presents a unique geographic profile significantly influencing its air quality. The city’s location within a mountainous terrain, at an elevation that, while not extreme, provides a degree of topographic shielding, impacts air circulation patterns. Surrounding Bédigoazon is a mosaic of landscapes: rolling hills covered in dense tropical rainforest gradually transition into small-scale cocoa and coffee plantations, characteristic of the region’s agricultural economy. This agricultural activity, while vital, contributes to localized particulate matter, particularly during harvesting seasons. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; Bédigoazon itself is a small settlement, and the immediate periphery is dominated by agricultural land and scattered rural dwellings. There are no major industrial belts directly adjacent to the city, mitigating some industrial pollution risks. However, the proximity to larger regional transport routes, facilitating the movement of agricultural goods, introduces vehicle emissions. The region experiences a humid tropical climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year, which generally helps to cleanse the atmosphere. The lack of significant bodies of water immediately adjacent to Bédigoazon limits the moderating effect of large water surfaces on temperature and humidity, potentially exacerbating stagnant air conditions under certain meteorological circumstances. The mountainous terrain can also create localized microclimates, influencing pollutant dispersion.

Bédigoazon’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by its tropical climate, characterized by wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from November to March, often sees a noticeable increase in particulate matter. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and the prevailing winds, frequently weaker during this period, can lead to pollutant stagnation, particularly in the valleys and lower-lying areas surrounding the city. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are more common during the dry season, further hindering vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants near ground level. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, intensifies during the dry season, significantly contributing to smoke and particulate pollution. The wet season, from April to October, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity, naturally scrubbing the atmosphere and reducing particulate concentrations. Stronger winds associated with the monsoon season also aid in dispersing pollutants. Fog, while less frequent than rainfall, can occasionally form in the cooler, wetter months, trapping pollutants and temporarily degrading air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during agricultural burning periods. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, although heavy rainfall can still impact visibility and air quality due to water droplets carrying pollutants.