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Mountougoula, nestled within the Koulikoro Region of Mali, occupies a geographically significant position on the edge of the Sahel, a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert and the Sudanian Savanna. Located at approximately 12.53°N, 7.82°W, the city’s terrain is characterized by gently undulating plains, typical of the inland Niger Delta region. The surrounding landscape is dominated by expansive grasslands, interspersed with acacia woodlands and the meandering Niger River, a vital lifeline for the region. Mountougoula’s elevation is relatively low, averaging around 200 meters above sea level, contributing to a stable atmospheric layer that can, under certain conditions, trap pollutants. The urban character is distinctly rural, reflecting its small population of 11,814. The city’s proximity to agricultural zones, particularly those reliant on traditional farming practices involving burning vegetation, significantly influences local air quality. An urban-rural gradient is immediately apparent; the immediate vicinity of Mountougoula is largely agricultural, transitioning rapidly into the broader savanna ecosystem. While there are no major industrial belts directly adjacent to the city, the Niger River serves as a transportation corridor, potentially bringing in occasional barge traffic and associated emissions. The prevailing winds, generally from the south-east during the dry season, can carry dust and pollutants from distant sources, impacting air quality. The flat topography limits natural dispersion of pollutants, making the city vulnerable to localized air quality degradation, especially during periods of stagnant air.

Mountougoula’s air quality is intrinsically linked to its tropical savanna climate, exhibiting a pronounced wet and dry season cycle. The dry season, typically spanning from November to May, presents the most significant air quality challenges. During these months, lower humidity and reduced rainfall lead to increased dust intrusion from the Sahara Desert, contributing to particulate matter pollution. Agricultural practices, including controlled burns for land clearing and crop residue removal, are also prevalent, releasing significant amounts of smoke and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, can trap these pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the situation. The harmattan winds, a dry and dusty trade wind, frequently impact Mountougoula during January and February, further degrading air quality. The wet season, from June to October, brings relief as rainfall washes away particulate matter and dilutes pollutants. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to flooding, which can release mould spores and other allergens into the air. Fog, though infrequent, can occur during the transition periods, trapping pollutants and reducing visibility. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak dust events and avoiding areas with significant smoke emissions. The months of February and March are generally the most challenging for air quality, while July and August offer the most favourable conditions.