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Maintirano, nestled along Madagascar’s western coast within the Mahajanga Province, occupies a geographically unique position significantly influencing its air quality. Situated at approximately -18.0666° latitude and 44.0167° longitude, the city lies close to the Mozambique Channel, a major maritime route. The surrounding landscape is dominated by a mosaic of coastal plains, mangrove forests, and the fringes of the Mikea National Park, a biodiversity hotspot characterized by dry deciduous forests and unique spiny forest ecosystems. The terrain is generally flat, with elevations rarely exceeding 30 meters above sea level, limiting natural dispersion of pollutants. Maintirano’s urban character is that of a developing port town, with a gradual urban–rural gradient extending outwards towards the agricultural zones that support the local economy. These zones primarily focus on rice cultivation and vanilla production, with smaller areas dedicated to cashew and clove farming. While Maintirano lacks large-scale industrial belts, the presence of smaller-scale processing facilities related to agriculture, particularly vanilla curing, can contribute localized emissions. The proximity to the channel means that sea breezes are a dominant feature, but their effectiveness in dispersing pollutants is often hampered by temperature inversions, particularly during the drier months. The coastal location also exposes the city to salt spray, which can interact with atmospheric pollutants, impacting respiratory health. The relatively low elevation and flat terrain mean that any accumulation of pollutants tends to linger, especially when wind speeds are low.

Maintirano experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting its air quality profile. The wet season, typically spanning from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and increased humidity. While the rain helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The dry season, from May to October, presents a more complex scenario. Reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric cleansing, and the prevailing winds, often weaker during this period, limit pollutant dispersion. Temperature inversions are more common during the dry season, trapping pollutants closer to the ground, particularly in the mornings. Fog, a frequent occurrence during the cooler months (June-August), further restricts air movement and concentrates pollutants. Agricultural burning, a common practice during the dry season to clear land for planting, contributes significantly to particulate matter and smoke pollution. The months of July and August, coinciding with the coolest and foggiest period, are generally when air quality is most likely to be impacted by localized sources. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during these months, limiting outdoor activity during peak pollution hours (early morning and late afternoon). During the wet season, while overall pollution may be lower, the high humidity can trigger asthma and other respiratory ailments. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can be beneficial throughout the year, but especially during periods of agricultural burning or fog.