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Ambinanitelo, nestled within the Toamasina Province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position along the eastern coast. Located at approximately -15.3495 latitude and 49.5805 longitude, the city benefits from proximity to the Indian Ocean, a defining feature shaping its climate and influencing local air quality. The surrounding landscape is characterized by a gradual transition from coastal plains to rolling hills, with the terrain generally low-lying, rarely exceeding 50 meters above sea level. This flatness, while facilitating urban expansion, can also exacerbate air pollution issues as it limits vertical mixing of pollutants. To the west, agricultural zones, primarily focused on clove and vanilla cultivation, extend inland, potentially contributing to localized emissions from burning agricultural waste, particularly during harvest seasons. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city transitioning quickly into rural agricultural land. To the north and south, the landscape is dominated by coastal forests and mangrove ecosystems, which, while providing some natural air filtration, are increasingly threatened by deforestation. The city’s position within the Toamasina region, a significant industrial hub for Madagascar, means it is susceptible to pollutants originating from nearby processing plants and port activities. The prevailing easterly trade winds, common along this coastline, play a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, but can also concentrate them under certain meteorological conditions, especially during periods of reduced wind speed. The proximity to the ocean also introduces salt aerosols, which can interact with other pollutants and affect respiratory health.

Ambinanitelo’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting air quality throughout the year. The wet season, typically spanning from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity. While the rain naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can trap pollutants closer to the ground, particularly during periods of calm weather. The dry season, from May to October, is characterized by lower rainfall and higher temperatures. This often leads to a build-up of pollutants, especially during the months of July and August, when the air is often still and stagnant. Temperature inversions, a common occurrence during this period, trap cooler air near the surface and warmer air aloft, preventing vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants. Agricultural burning, a practice often employed to clear land for planting during the dry season, significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution. Fog, which can form during the cooler mornings of the dry season, further exacerbates the problem by trapping pollutants in a localized area. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of stagnant air. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, although heavy rainfall can still impact visibility and air quality. The monsoon winds, though less pronounced than in other parts of the Indian Ocean, can occasionally bring periods of cleaner air, but also carry pollutants from distant sources.