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Guinguinéo, nestled within the Fatick Region of Senegal (coordinates 14.2667° N, -15.9500° W), occupies a geographically significant position within the broader West African coastal plain. The city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the low-lying coastal areas of Senegal, with elevations rarely exceeding 20 meters above sea level. This flatness contributes to a limited degree of natural ventilation, potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. Guinguinéo is situated relatively close to the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 20 kilometers inland, influencing local humidity and wind patterns. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily dedicated to peanut cultivation – a major economic driver for the region – interspersed with pockets of mangrove forests along the coastline and smaller villages exhibiting a gradual urban-rural gradient. To the east, the land gently rises towards the interior of Senegal, though this elevation change is minimal within a reasonable radius of the city. There are no major industrial belts immediately adjacent to Guinguinéo; however, the broader Fatick region supports some agricultural processing facilities, and the proximity to Dakar, Senegal’s capital and industrial hub (approximately 150 km north), means that long-range transport of pollutants is a possibility. The city’s location within a humid, tropical savanna climate zone dictates a distinct wet and dry season, impacting vegetation cover and, consequently, dust levels and overall air quality. The relatively low elevation and flat topography mean that any localized pollution sources can readily affect a wide area.

Guinguinéo’s air quality experiences a pronounced seasonal cycle dictated by its tropical climate. The dry season, typically spanning from November to May, is characterized by lower humidity and increased wind speeds, generally leading to improved air quality compared to the wet season. However, this period also sees a significant rise in fugitive dust emissions from agricultural activities, particularly peanut farming, as fields are prepared and harvested. Strong Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara Desert, frequently sweep across the region during this time, carrying substantial amounts of dust and particulate matter. Temperature inversions, though less frequent than in colder climates, can occasionally occur during the cooler nights of the dry season, trapping pollutants near the ground. The wet season, from June to October, brings higher humidity and frequent rainfall, which naturally scavenges pollutants from the atmosphere, resulting in a temporary improvement in air quality. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased fungal spore counts and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from decaying vegetation. Fog, though not a common occurrence, can occasionally form during the transition periods between seasons, further reducing air quality by trapping pollutants. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, particularly during and immediately after rainfall. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, especially when Harmattan winds are prevalent, and consider limiting prolonged outdoor exposure. Agricultural workers should utilize appropriate respiratory protection during peak farming periods.