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Kassorola, nestled within the Ségou Region of Mali, occupies a geographically significant position along the Niger River’s floodplain. Located at approximately 12.7556° latitude and -4.9742° longitude, the town’s elevation is relatively low, averaging around 200 meters above sea level, contributing to a generally flat terrain characteristic of the Sahelian zone. The surrounding landscape is dominated by expansive grasslands and savannas, punctuated by the meandering Niger River and its associated oxbow lakes. This proximity to the river is vital for agriculture, with the fertile alluvial soils supporting extensive cultivation of crops like millet, sorghum, and maize. The urban–rural gradient transitions rapidly from the town’s modest built environment to the surrounding agricultural fields and then to the broader savanna ecosystem. While Kassorola itself lacks significant industrial zones, it sits within a region experiencing increasing agricultural intensification, which can lead to localised dust and emissions from machinery. The town’s location within the Sahel also means it’s susceptible to seasonal dust storms originating from the Sahara Desert to the north, a major factor influencing air quality. The prevailing winds, often influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), can transport these dust particles considerable distances. The relatively open landscape allows for good dispersion of pollutants under favourable wind conditions, but stagnant air during certain periods can lead to localised accumulation. The river itself, while a source of life, can also contribute to humidity and fog, impacting pollutant behaviour.

Kassorola’s air quality is inextricably linked to its tropical savanna climate, exhibiting a distinct wet and dry season cycle. The dry season, typically spanning from November to April, presents the most significant air quality challenges. During this period, reduced rainfall leads to drier soils, increasing the potential for wind-driven dust emissions from agricultural lands and exposed surfaces. The lack of vegetation cover further exacerbates this issue. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, can trap pollutants near the ground, leading to localised increases in particulate matter. The Harmattan wind, a dry, dusty trade wind blowing from the Sahara, frequently impacts Kassorola during January and February, significantly degrading air quality with Saharan dust. The wet season, from May to October, brings relief as rainfall washes away accumulated dust and increases vegetation cover, naturally filtering the air. However, periods of intense rainfall can lead to flooding, which can temporarily release pollutants from inundated areas. Fog, particularly in the early mornings during the transition periods between seasons, can also trap pollutants, reducing visibility and impacting respiratory health. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of high dust activity. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, although vigilance regarding potential flooding is advised. Agricultural burning, a common practice at the start of the wet season to clear fields, can also temporarily impact air quality.