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Chợ Mới, nestled in the An Giang province of Vietnam, occupies a strategically vital position within the Mekong Delta. Located at approximately 10.55°N, 105.4°E, the city’s geography is profoundly shaped by its proximity to the Mekong River and the surrounding fertile floodplains. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Delta, with elevations rarely exceeding 5 meters above sea level. This low-lying landscape makes Chợ Mới particularly vulnerable to seasonal flooding, a natural occurrence that influences land use and agricultural practices. The city sits within a region dominated by intensive rice cultivation, a significant agricultural belt extending across An Giang and neighbouring provinces. This agricultural activity, while economically crucial, contributes to localized air quality challenges through the burning of agricultural residues and the use of fertilizers. To the west, the landscape gradually transitions to more undulating terrain, eventually reaching the Cambodian border. The Mekong River itself acts as a major transport artery and a source of irrigation, but also influences local weather patterns and can contribute to humidity and fog, impacting air dispersion. The urban–rural gradient around Chợ Mới is relatively smooth, with agricultural land seamlessly blending into residential areas, a common feature of Delta settlements. The city’s location within a densely populated and agriculturally intensive region means that regional pollution sources, such as industrial activity further upstream along the Mekong, can impact air quality in Chợ Mới.

Chợ Mới’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by the region’s tropical monsoon climate. The wet season, typically spanning from May to October, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as precipitation washes away particulate matter. However, periods of prolonged rainfall can also result in stagnant air conditions, particularly during the early monsoon months, trapping pollutants close to the ground. The dry season, from November to April, presents a more complex picture. While temperatures are generally more moderate, the lack of rainfall and increased sunshine can lead to a build-up of pollutants, especially during periods of agricultural burning. November and December often see elevated levels of smoke from post-harvest rice field clearing. January and February can experience temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollutants near the surface, exacerbating air quality issues. Fog, common during the cooler months, further restricts air dispersion. The months of March and April, leading into the wet season, can be particularly challenging as agricultural activity ramps up again. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning and fog. Limiting outdoor exertion and wearing appropriate masks can help mitigate potential health impacts. The monsoon winds, when they arrive, offer a welcome respite, but their impact can be variable depending on their strength and direction.