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Cajueiro, a municipality nestled within the state of Alagoas in northeastern Brazil, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Located at approximately -9.3967 latitude and -36.1536 longitude, the city occupies a relatively low-lying area of the Mata Atlântica biome, close to the coast. The terrain is gently undulating, transitioning from inland plateaus towards the coastal plains. This proximity to the Atlantic Ocean exerts a significant moderating influence on the local climate, providing humidity and sea breezes. However, it also exposes the city to potential salt spray and marine aerosols. Cajueiro’s urban character is largely defined by its agricultural surroundings, primarily sugarcane and coconut plantations, alongside smaller-scale fruit cultivation. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of these agricultural lands interspersed with remnants of the Atlantic Forest. While not heavily industrialized, regional economic activity centers around agriculture and related processing, potentially contributing to particulate matter and volatile organic compound emissions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city center representing a concentrated area of human activity and associated pollution sources, diminishing rapidly towards the surrounding rural areas. This geographical setting dictates the dispersion patterns of pollutants and the overall air quality profile of Cajueiro.

Cajueiro experiences a distinctly tropical climate, characterized by a pronounced wet and dry season rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality generally deteriorates during the dry season (September to February) due to reduced rainfall, leading to the accumulation of dust and particulate matter from agricultural activities and unpaved roads. Lower humidity also inhibits the settling of pollutants. The prevailing easterly trade winds, while offering some dispersion, can also transport pollutants from coastal industrial areas further inland. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. The wet season (March to August) brings relief, with frequent rainfall effectively washing away airborne particles and improving air quality. However, increased humidity can also promote the growth of mold and allergens, impacting respiratory health. Months like November and December often see the poorest air quality due to the peak of the dry season and agricultural burning. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these periods. Conversely, the months of April and May generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor pursuits. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as winds from the northeast can bring pollutants from larger urban centers.