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Sông Cầu, nestled in Phú Yên Province, Vietnam, occupies a strategic coastal position at coordinates 13.5500°N, 109.2000°E. The city’s geography is defined by a relatively flat coastal plain, gently rising inland towards the foothills of the An Binh mountains. This terrain influences air circulation, potentially trapping pollutants during periods of calm weather. Sông Cầu benefits from direct access to the South China Sea, with the coastline shaping local microclimates and providing some natural dispersion of airborne particles. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural land – primarily rice paddies and fruit orchards – interspersed with pockets of developing industry, particularly related to fishing and seafood processing. The urban-rural gradient is quite pronounced; the city centre is densely populated, while the periphery transitions rapidly into rural agricultural areas. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces potential sources of particulate matter from burning agricultural waste and fertilizer use. The city’s location along a major north-south transport route also contributes to traffic-related emissions. Understanding these geographical factors is crucial for assessing and mitigating air quality challenges in Sông Cầu, as prevailing winds and topographical features dictate pollutant dispersal patterns.

Sông Cầu experiences a distinct tropical monsoon climate, shaping its air quality patterns. The dry season, generally from February to April, often sees the poorest air quality. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and increased agricultural burning to prepare fields for the next crop contributes to higher particulate matter concentrations. Calm winds during these months exacerbate the situation, allowing pollutants to accumulate. The transition period, May to June, brings increasing rainfall and a gradual improvement in air quality. The wet season, from July to November, is typically the period of best air quality, with frequent downpours effectively washing pollutants from the atmosphere. However, intense rainfall can also lead to localised flooding and the spread of waterborne pollutants. December and January mark a cooler, drier period with moderate air quality. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months, can trap pollutants near the ground. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and periods of calm weather. Monitoring wind direction is also important, as pollutants can be transported from nearby industrial areas or agricultural zones.