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Zaliohouan, nestled within the Sassandra-Marahoué region of Ivory Coast at coordinates 6.7952, -6.2355, is a relatively small urban centre of approximately 20,867 inhabitants. The city’s geography is defined by its location within the transition zone between dense tropical rainforest and the savanna belt further north. The terrain is generally flat to gently undulating, characteristic of the coastal plains of southern Ivory Coast. This flatness contributes to limited natural air dispersion. Zaliohouan is situated inland, approximately 40km from the Atlantic coastline, meaning direct marine influences on air quality are lessened, but humidity remains consistently high. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural land, primarily cocoa and coffee plantations, alongside pockets of remaining forest. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; the city itself is compact, quickly giving way to agricultural fields. This proximity to agricultural activity is a key factor influencing air quality, with potential for particulate matter from land clearing and seasonal burning. The lack of significant industrial belts within Zaliohouan itself means that local emissions are largely tied to domestic fuel use, transport, and agricultural practices. The city’s elevation is low, further reducing the potential for atmospheric mixing and pollutant dispersal.

Zaliohouan experiences a tropical climate defined by distinct wet and dry seasons, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality fluctuates significantly with these shifts. The dry season, typically from November to March, sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. This is due to increased dust from unpaved roads, agricultural burning to prepare fields for the next planting cycle, and a greater reliance on biomass fuels for cooking and heating. Harmattan winds, blowing from the Sahara, can also contribute to dust levels. The wet season, spanning April to October, generally brings improved air quality as rainfall washes away pollutants and suppresses dust. However, high humidity can exacerbate the effects of certain pollutants, and stagnant air during periods of reduced rainfall can lead to localised build-ups. October and November often see a transitional period with poorer air quality as the dry season approaches. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the peak of the dry season. Monitoring local weather patterns is crucial; periods of calm winds and temperature inversions can trap pollutants near ground level. Avoiding peak traffic hours can also reduce exposure.