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Marabella, situated within the San Fernando County of Trinidad and Tobago (10.3000° N, 61.4500° W), occupies a geographically significant position along the southwestern coast of Trinidad. The town’s urban fabric is interwoven with a relatively flat coastal plain, transitioning gently into the low-lying hills of the Central Range to the east. This terrain, while generally benign, influences local air circulation patterns. Marabella’s proximity to the Gulf of Paria, a large shallow embayment of the Caribbean Sea, plays a crucial role. Sea breezes, common throughout the year, can both disperse and concentrate pollutants depending on prevailing wind directions and atmospheric stability. The town is part of a broader urban corridor connecting Port of Spain and San Fernando, the nation’s capital and commercial hub respectively, creating a continuous belt of urban development. To the south, agricultural lands, primarily sugarcane fields and smaller vegetable farms, contribute to localized emissions, particularly during harvesting seasons. Further inland, the Central Range acts as a partial barrier, potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. The urban–rural gradient is relatively rapid, with agricultural activity becoming more dominant within a short distance. Industrial activity, though not concentrated directly within Marabella, is present in nearby areas of San Fernando, contributing to regional air pollution sources. The relatively low elevation (generally below 30 meters) minimizes the natural dispersion of pollutants, making the town susceptible to ground-level ozone formation and particulate matter accumulation, especially during periods of stagnant air.

Trinidad and Tobago’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season, significantly impacting Marabella’s air quality. The dry season, typically running from December to May, often sees a build-up of pollutants. Reduced rainfall means fewer opportunities for atmospheric cleansing, and increased solar radiation promotes photochemical smog formation, particularly ozone. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, are more frequent during this period, trapping pollutants close to the surface. The months of March and April are often the most challenging, with stagnant air conditions exacerbating the issue. Conversely, the wet season (June to November) brings increased rainfall, which naturally washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased fugitive dust emissions from construction sites and unpaved roads. The trade winds, which are generally consistent, can shift during the wet season, sometimes bringing moisture-laden air from the Atlantic, which can reduce visibility and contribute to localized fog, further hindering pollutant dispersion. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit prolonged outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly during midday when ozone levels are typically highest. During the wet season, while overall air quality tends to improve, caution should be exercised during periods of heavy rainfall due to potential dust exposure. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation and air filtration is advisable year-round.