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Potiskum, situated in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, occupies a pivotal position within the Sahelian zone. The city’s coordinates (11.7104° N, 11.0800° E) place it on relatively flat terrain, characteristic of the broader Sokoto Plains. Elevation is modest, generally below 500m, contributing to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. Potiskum isn’t proximate to major bodies of water; the nearest significant water source is the Yobe River, some distance away, meaning humidity isn’t a major factor in pollutant behaviour. The surrounding landscape is predominantly semi-arid savanna, transitioning to desert further north. Agriculture, primarily subsistence farming of millet, sorghum, and maize, dominates the rural areas immediately surrounding the city, with potential for seasonal burning contributing to particulate matter. Potiskum functions as a major commercial hub for agricultural produce and livestock, attracting significant road traffic. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with a concentration of commercial activity and population density within the city limits. Dust from the surrounding Sahelian environment is a constant factor, exacerbated by wind erosion and land use practices. The city’s growth, coupled with increasing vehicle numbers and small-scale industries, is placing growing pressure on local air quality, particularly along major transport corridors.

Potiskum experiences a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly influencing air quality. The dry season, spanning roughly November to May, is characterized by consistently high temperatures and the prevalence of the Harmattan wind, a dry, dusty trade wind blowing from the Sahara. This period sees a significant spike in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations, as dust is readily lifted and transported. February to April are typically the worst months for respiratory health. The transition to the wet season, around June, brings a temporary improvement in air quality as rainfall suppresses dust and washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The wet season, lasting from June to October, offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity, though localised flooding can disrupt transport and potentially release contaminants. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level, worsening air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the Harmattan and periods of high dust levels. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as dust plumes can rapidly change air quality.