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Phú Mỹ, located in Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu province, Vietnam, occupies a strategically important coastal position within the Southeast Asian peninsula. Its coordinates (10.5906° N, 107.0481° E) place it within a region characterized by a gently sloping coastal plain, transitioning to slightly higher terrain inland. The city sits near the mouth of the Thị Vải River, providing crucial access to the South China Sea and facilitating significant port activity. This proximity to the sea moderates temperatures to some extent, but also introduces marine influences on air quality, including salt aerosols. Phú Mỹ’s regional position is key; it forms part of a broader industrial belt stretching along the coast, driven by the province’s rich natural resources, particularly oil and gas. Extensive agricultural zones, primarily focused on aquaculture and fruit cultivation, surround the urban area, contributing to both rural livelihoods and potential sources of localized air pollutants, such as ammonia from fertilizer use. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with dense industrial areas abutting agricultural land and smaller villages. Elevation is generally low, rarely exceeding 30 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants, particularly during periods of stable atmospheric conditions. The surrounding landscape is a mix of mangrove forests, coastal wetlands, and cultivated fields, all of which influence local wind patterns and the dispersion of airborne contaminants. The port’s operations, combined with nearby industrial facilities, are the dominant factors shaping Phú Mỹ’s air quality profile.

Phú Mỹ’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from December to April, often witnesses a concerning increase in pollution levels. Reduced rainfall means fewer opportunities for pollutant washout, and lower humidity contributes to the formation of temperature inversions, particularly during the cooler months of January and February. These inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying their concentration. Calm wind conditions are also more prevalent during this period, further hindering dispersion. Conversely, the wet season (May to November) brings more frequent rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the atmosphere and reducing particulate matter. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased runoff carrying pollutants into waterways, indirectly affecting air quality. The monsoon season, peaking in September and October, brings strong winds that help disperse pollutants, but also carries dust and moisture from surrounding agricultural areas. Fog, common during the cooler, drier months, can also exacerbate air quality issues by trapping pollutants in a localized area. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution periods, typically in the mornings. Agricultural burning, a common practice in surrounding areas, can also contribute to spikes in air pollution, regardless of the season, and is something to be mindful of. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can offer some protection.