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Majdel Aanjar, nestled in the Béqaa Valley of Lebanon, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Situated at coordinates 33.7075, 35.9039, the city lies at an elevation of approximately 850 meters, contributing to cooler temperatures but also potential for temperature inversions. The Béqaa Valley is a broad, fertile agricultural region, bordered by the Anti-Lebanon Mountains to the east and the Mount Lebanon range to the west. This valley location, while providing agricultural benefits, can trap pollutants due to limited atmospheric circulation. Majdel Aanjar itself is characterized by a mix of residential areas and agricultural land, with surrounding villages heavily involved in farming, particularly fruit orchards and vegetable cultivation. The proximity to Syria, with its own industrial and transportation emissions, adds to the regional pollution burden. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; moving away from the town centre quickly leads into open farmland. The Litani River flows nearby, but its influence on local air currents is limited by the valley’s topography. Dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads is a significant local contributor to particulate matter, exacerbated by the region’s dry summers. The prevailing winds generally flow from the west, potentially carrying pollutants from more densely populated coastal areas.

Majdel Aanjar’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual improvement after the winter, but agricultural burning for land preparation releases significant smoke and particulate matter, impacting air quality. Summer (June-August) is typically the driest period, with increased dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads becoming a major concern. High temperatures can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Autumn (September-November) often brings a temporary respite with increased rainfall washing away some pollutants, but stable atmospheric conditions can lead to localized pollution build-up. Winter (December-February) is characterized by temperature inversions, trapping pollutants close to the ground, particularly from residential heating using wood and diesel. These inversions are common due to the valley’s topography and can lead to prolonged periods of poor air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during winter inversions and periods of agricultural burning in spring. Months to favour for outdoor activity are generally late autumn and early spring, avoiding peak burning times. Fog, common in winter, can exacerbate particulate matter concentrations.