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Koori, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, occupies a geographically significant position within the broader Tohoku region. Situated at approximately 37.8494° N, 140.5164° E, the city lies on a relatively flat coastal plain, gently sloping towards the Pacific Ocean. This proximity to the sea influences local weather patterns and, consequently, air quality. The surrounding landscape is a blend of agricultural land – primarily rice paddies and vegetable farms – and rolling hills, characteristic of the Fukushima basin. Koori’s elevation averages around 20-30 meters above sea level, minimizing topographic barriers to air movement, which can both disperse and concentrate pollutants. To the west, the Abukuma Mountains provide a backdrop, occasionally influencing wind patterns and trapping cooler air during winter months. The city’s urban character is primarily residential, with a scattering of small businesses and light industry. It represents a transitional zone, exhibiting a gradual urban–rural gradient as one moves inland. While not directly within a major industrial belt, Koori benefits from its proximity to larger industrial areas further south, in the Sendai-Shi area, which can contribute to regional air pollution transport. The coastal location also means the city is susceptible to sea breezes, which can carry marine aerosols and influence the chemical composition of the atmosphere. The legacy of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster continues to shape the region, with ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts impacting land use and potentially influencing local air quality through dust resuspension.

Koori’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle heavily influenced by meteorological conditions. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and stronger winds prevail, dispersing accumulated winter pollutants. However, this period can also be marked by occasional episodes of pollen-related air quality concerns, impacting sensitive individuals. Summer (June-August) is generally the cleanest season, characterized by frequent sea breezes and relatively high rainfall, which effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere. The humid conditions and occasional typhoons contribute to this cleansing effect. Autumn (September-November) brings a shift. As temperatures cool, the likelihood of temperature inversions increases, particularly in October and November. These inversions trap cooler air near the ground, preventing vertical mixing and leading to a build-up of pollutants. Agricultural burning, a traditional practice in the region, can also contribute to elevated particulate matter during this time. Winter (December-February) is often the most challenging season. Cold, stable air masses, coupled with frequent fog and temperature inversions, create stagnant atmospheric conditions. Reduced wind speeds limit pollutant dispersal, and the prevalence of fog can trap particulate matter close to the ground. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these periods, particularly on days with dense fog or calm winds. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial. The monsoon season’s influence is subtle but contributes to the overall pattern, bringing periods of increased rainfall and cleansing.