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Falou, situated in the Koulikoro Region of Mali, lies at approximately 14.5967°N latitude and 7.9350°W longitude. The city occupies a relatively flat terrain typical of the Sahelian zone, a transitional ecosystem between the Sahara Desert to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south. Its elevation is modest, contributing to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. Falou is positioned along a section of the Niger River, though the immediate urban area isn’t directly on the riverbank, but benefits from its presence for irrigation and transport. The surrounding landscape is predominantly savanna grassland and agricultural land, with millet, sorghum, and cotton being key crops. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, introduces particulate matter from land preparation, harvesting, and potential burning of crop residue. The urban-rural gradient is fairly sharp; Falou is a relatively small urban centre surrounded by dispersed rural settlements. Dust from the Sahara Desert frequently impacts the region, particularly during the dry season, significantly influencing baseline particulate matter levels. Limited industrial activity within Falou itself means that the primary air quality concerns stem from domestic fuel burning (wood and charcoal) and dust resuspension, exacerbated by the region’s climate and land use patterns. The city’s location within a broad river valley can sometimes trap pollutants during periods of atmospheric stability.

Falou experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, roughly from November to May, is characterized by consistently high levels of particulate matter. Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, carry vast quantities of dust southward, dramatically reducing visibility and increasing PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. January to March are typically the worst months for respiratory health, with dry air and dust storms prevalent. The transition to the wet season, around June, brings a temporary improvement as rainfall suppresses dust and washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also promote mold growth, potentially triggering allergic reactions. The wet season, lasting from June to October, generally offers the best air quality, though localized pollution from biomass burning for cooking and agricultural practices persists. August and September, while wetter, can experience stagnant air masses leading to localized build-up of smoke. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during peak dust periods (Jan-Mar) and be mindful of smoke exposure during agricultural burning.