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Sakiet ed Daier, a municipality within the Sfax Governorate of Tunisia, occupies a strategically important position in the country’s southeast. Located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Sfax city, it sits on a gently undulating plain, part of the larger Sahel region, a fertile coastal strip vital to Tunisian agriculture. The terrain is predominantly flat, facilitating urban expansion and agricultural activities, but also presenting challenges for air circulation. The surrounding landscape is characterized by a mix of agricultural fields – primarily date palm groves and cereal crops – and scattered rural settlements. To the west lies the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, influencing regional weather patterns and occasionally contributing to dust incursions. Sakiet ed Daier’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, roughly 30 kilometers to the east, moderates temperatures but can also introduce marine aerosols and influence humidity levels. The urban–rural gradient transitions relatively smoothly, with agricultural land gradually giving way to residential and commercial areas within the municipality. While Sfax itself hosts significant industrial activity, including textile and food processing, Sakiet ed Daier’s industrial presence is comparatively smaller, primarily focused on agricultural processing and related services. This location, while benefiting from agricultural productivity, also means the city is susceptible to pollutants originating from both agricultural practices (fertilizer use, pesticide drift) and industrial emissions from Sfax, particularly during periods of stagnant air. The relatively flat topography can exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants, hindering dispersion and impacting local air quality.

Sakiet ed Daier experiences a Mediterranean climate, resulting in distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact air quality. Summers (June-August) are characterized by intense heat and minimal rainfall, often accompanied by periods of atmospheric stability. This leads to temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing the vertical dispersion of pollutants. Agricultural activities, including irrigation and fertilizer application, also contribute to emissions during this period. Dust storms originating from the Sahara are more frequent in summer, further degrading air quality and posing respiratory risks. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) generally offer improved air quality due to increased wind speeds and more frequent rainfall, which helps to cleanse the atmosphere. However, agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and residue disposal, can cause localized spikes in pollution during these transitional seasons. Winters (December-February) are relatively mild and wet, with occasional fog formation. Fog can trap pollutants near the ground, leading to temporary reductions in visibility and increased exposure to particulate matter. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during summer months, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat and dust storm events. Spring and autumn require awareness of agricultural burning episodes. During periods of fog, indoor air quality should be prioritized, and ventilation minimized to prevent the infiltration of pollutants.