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Duyên Hải, situated within the coastal expanse of Trà Vinh province in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, acts as a pivotal maritime gateway at the mouth of the Cung Hau River. Positioned at coordinates 9.6331, 106.4975, the city occupies a low-lying, alluvial terrain characterized by an intricate network of tidal channels and saline-influenced plains. This flat, deltaic landscape is dominated by a mix of intensive aquaculture, mangrove forests, and expanding industrial infrastructure, reflecting the city’s transition from a rural fishing hub to a modern energy and port center. The urban-rural gradient is subtle; the built-up area is interspersed with vast paddy fields and shrimp ponds, creating a porous landscape where industrial emissions from the Duyên Hải Thermal Power Complex interact directly with local agricultural activities. Being proximate to the East Sea, the city benefits from constant maritime breezes that facilitate significant air mass exchange, preventing the stagnation often found in inland urban centers. However, the elevation is barely above sea level, making the area susceptible to tidal surges and humidity-laden air that traps particulate matter during periods of low wind. The geographic configuration is essentially a delicate balance between the expansive, cleansing coastal winds and the localized, concentrated emission zones emanating from the power sector and heavy maritime traffic. As urbanization intensifies along the coastal belt, the interplay between the humid marine environment and the anthropogenic pollutants from industrial operations defines the city’s atmospheric character, necessitating a careful understanding of how land-use patterns influence the dispersion of air contaminants throughout this fragile deltaic ecosystem.

Duyên Hải experiences a distinct tropical monsoon climate defined by the wet and dry seasons, which dictate the rhythm of air quality throughout the year. The dry season, spanning from December to April, is characterized by the northeast monsoon, which brings cooler, relatively stable air masses. During these months, the lack of significant rainfall means that dust from construction sites and particulate matter from industrial operations are less frequently washed from the atmosphere. While the coastal winds remain generally robust, temperature inversions can occasionally occur during clear, cool nights, trapping pollutants close to the ground in residential sectors. Conversely, the wet season, running from May to November, is dominated by the southwest monsoon. This period is marked by high humidity and frequent, intense convective rainfall, which act as a natural scrubber for the air, significantly reducing the concentration of airborne pollutants. The cleansing effect of these tropical downpours is the primary driver for improved air quality during the mid-year months. However, the transition periods in April and November can be challenging, as shifting wind patterns may lead to localized stagnation. For sensitive groups, such as individuals with respiratory conditions, the dry season months of January and February are best approached with caution, particularly during peak industrial activity hours. Residents should prioritize outdoor activities during the late wet season when air clarity is at its peak. Maintaining a consistent awareness of daily wind patterns is essential, as even during cleaner months, localized agricultural burning can occasionally influence air quality in rural-urban fringes.