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Besni, nestled in the Adıyaman Province of southeastern Turkey, occupies a geographically significant position within the undulating foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Located at coordinates 37.6942° N, 37.8614° E, the city’s terrain is characterised by rolling plains interspersed with agricultural land, rising gradually towards the more rugged mountainous regions to the north and east. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with wheat fields and pistachio orchards dominating the rural areas. Besni isn’t directly adjacent to a major body of water, though the Euphrates River flows within a reasonable distance, influencing regional humidity. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city centre quickly transitions to farmland. While Besni isn’t a major industrial hub, regional agricultural processing and smaller-scale manufacturing contribute to localised emissions. The city’s elevation, around 650 meters above sea level, impacts atmospheric circulation and can contribute to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants. This topography, combined with prevailing wind patterns, influences the dispersion of airborne particles. The regional climate is continental, with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, impacting pollutant behaviour. The city’s position within a valley can exacerbate air stagnation during certain weather conditions, concentrating pollutants.

Besni’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Spring (March-May) sees a gradual improvement after the winter months, though dust storms originating from the surrounding agricultural lands can temporarily elevate particulate matter. Summer (June-August) typically presents the clearest air, driven by strong winds that disperse pollutants, and the relative lack of heating-related emissions. However, high temperatures can promote the formation of ground-level ozone. Autumn (September-November) marks a transition, with increasing heating demands and agricultural burning contributing to a rise in particulate pollution. This is often the period with the most stagnant air. Winter (December-February) is generally the worst period for air quality. Cold temperatures lead to increased use of coal and wood for heating, resulting in elevated levels of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Temperature inversions are common, trapping pollutants near the ground. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during cold, still winter days. Months to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure are December, January, and February. September and October can be problematic due to agricultural practices. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as pollutants can accumulate depending on prevailing winds.