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Nangola, 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 12.6661° latitude and -6.6042° longitude, the town’s elevation is relatively low, contributing to a tendency for pollutants to accumulate. Nangola’s surrounding landscape is dominated by expansive grasslands and sparse acacia woodlands, characteristic of the Sahelian ecosystem. The Niger River, a vital waterway for Mali, flows within a reasonable distance, though not directly adjacent to the town itself, influencing regional humidity and potentially impacting atmospheric stability. The urban character of Nangola is that of a small, developing settlement, primarily reliant on agriculture and limited local trade. The dominant land use is subsistence farming, with millet, sorghum, and maize being key crops. This agricultural activity, particularly during harvesting and burning seasons, contributes to localized particulate matter pollution. The urban–rural gradient is sharp; Nangola transitions quickly from a concentrated settlement to the surrounding agricultural fields and savanna. The regional position, far from major industrial centers, initially suggests lower industrial pollution, but the reliance on biomass fuels (wood and charcoal) for cooking and heating, coupled with seasonal agricultural practices, significantly impacts local air quality. Topography is gently undulating, offering limited natural ventilation, which can exacerbate pollutant concentrations during periods of low wind speed. The surrounding terrain, largely flat, doesn't provide significant topographic barriers to dispersal of pollutants.

Nangola’s air quality is dictated by its tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from November to May, presents the most significant air quality challenges. During this period, reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric moisture, creating a more stable atmosphere prone to temperature inversions, particularly during the cooler mornings. These inversions trap pollutants near the ground, intensifying their impact. Agricultural practices, including controlled burns for land clearing and crop residue removal, are prevalent during the dry season, releasing substantial amounts of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. Dust storms, common in the Sahel, are also more frequent, further degrading air quality. The harmattan winds, dry and dusty trade winds blowing from the Sahara, can transport pollutants over long distances, impacting Nangola’s air quality even on days with local emissions relatively low. The wet season, from June to October, brings relief as increased rainfall washes pollutants from the atmosphere and higher humidity promotes dispersion. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to flooding, which can release mold spores and other allergens, impacting respiratory health. The months of February and March often experience peak pollution due to a combination of agricultural burning and dust events. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activity during these periods and consider using face masks when necessary. During the wet season, while overall air quality improves, vigilance regarding mold and allergens remains important.