Corupá Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Corupá, nestled in the western highlands of Santa Catarina, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within the Paraná River basin. Located at approximately -26.4250 latitude and -49.2428 longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, a typical feature of the Serra Catarinense region. Its elevation, averaging around 850 meters above sea level, contributes to a cooler climate compared to coastal areas of Santa Catarina. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily dedicated to dairy farming and poultry production, interspersed with patches of Atlantic Forest remnants. This agricultural intensity, while economically vital, presents a potential source of localized air pollution, particularly from ammonia emissions related to livestock and fertilizer use. The urban–rural gradient around Corupá is relatively sharp; the city itself is a small, compact settlement, transitioning quickly to rural agricultural areas. While not directly adjacent to a major river, Corupá benefits from several smaller streams and tributaries that feed into the larger Paraná River system, influencing local humidity and microclimates. The city’s proximity to industrial belts concentrated further east in the state, while not immediate, means that long-range transport of pollutants from larger urban and industrial centers can occasionally impact air quality. The topography, with its hills and valleys, can also trap pollutants, especially during periods of low wind speed, exacerbating localized air quality issues. The prevailing winds generally flow from the west, carrying air masses across the agricultural plains and potentially bringing in pollutants from neighboring regions.

Corupá experiences a distinct subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers and cool, wet winters, influencing its air quality patterns throughout the year. The wet season, typically from March to September, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as precipitation washes away particulate matter. However, periods of prolonged fog, common during these months, can trap pollutants near the ground, creating localized episodes of reduced visibility and potentially elevated concentrations of certain gases. The dry season, from October to February, is often associated with higher temperatures and lower rainfall, creating conditions conducive to pollutant accumulation. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, are more frequent during this period, preventing vertical mixing and trapping pollutants. Agricultural activities intensify during the dry season, leading to increased ammonia emissions from fertilizer application and livestock management. The months of November and December often see a noticeable increase in particulate matter due to agricultural burning practices, although regulations aim to minimize this. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during these periods, limiting outdoor exertion and monitoring local air quality reports. During the wetter months, while overall air quality is generally better, individuals with allergies should be mindful of increased pollen counts. The interplay of rainfall, temperature, and agricultural practices dictates the seasonal narrative of Corupá’s air quality, demanding adaptive strategies for public health.