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Segué, a town in the Mopti Region of Mali, sits at approximately 13.8153°N latitude and 2.9650°W longitude, placing it within the Sahelian zone, a transitional ecosystem between the Sahara Desert to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south. The terrain is largely flat, characteristic of the Inland Niger Delta, with an elevation hovering around 200 meters. This flatness contributes to limited natural air dispersion. Segué is situated inland, some distance from major water bodies, though it’s influenced by the seasonal flooding patterns of the Niger River and its associated tributaries. The surrounding landscape is dominated by grasslands, scrubland, and scattered acacia trees. Agriculture is the dominant land use, primarily subsistence farming, with millet, sorghum, and rice being key crops. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; Segué functions as a market town serving a largely rural hinterland. Dust from agricultural activities – plowing, harvesting, and livestock grazing – is a significant contributor to particulate matter. The lack of substantial industrial activity within Segué itself means that local pollution sources are primarily related to domestic fuel use (wood and charcoal) and vehicle emissions, though transboundary dust transport from the Sahara plays a crucial role in overall air quality. The town’s location within a broad valley can exacerbate temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground.

Segué experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing 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, significantly degrading air quality. January to March are typically the worst months, with reduced visibility and increased respiratory issues. The lack of rainfall during this period means pollutants accumulate, with limited natural cleansing. The transition to the wet season, around June, brings a temporary improvement as rainfall washes away dust and suppresses particulate matter. However, increased humidity can also promote mold growth, potentially impacting indoor air quality. July to September, the peak of the rainy season, generally offers the best air quality, though localized flooding can create stagnant water, breeding mosquitoes and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. As the wet season ends in October, dust levels begin to rise again, initiating the cycle anew. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly in January-March, and consider using masks when dust levels are high. Monitoring local weather patterns is crucial for anticipating pollution spikes.