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Joaquim Gomes, nestled in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, occupies a relatively flat coastal plain location at approximately -9.1328 latitude and -35.7478 longitude. The city’s terrain is predominantly low-lying, characteristic of the Mundaú River delta region, influencing local air circulation patterns. Situated inland from the Atlantic coastline, Joaquim Gomes benefits from some marine influence, but is shielded from direct, strong oceanic winds. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of sugarcane plantations – Alagoas being a significant sugarcane producer – and small-scale agriculture, alongside patches of Atlantic Forest remnants. This agricultural dominance is a key factor in potential air quality concerns, particularly during harvest and burning seasons. The urban-rural gradient is fairly sharp; Joaquim Gomes itself is a relatively small urban centre, quickly transitioning to rural agricultural land. The Mundaú River, a large lagoon system, is nearby, potentially contributing to humidity and localised temperature inversions that can trap pollutants. The city’s position within this agricultural belt means it’s susceptible to airborne particulate matter from field preparation and post-harvest burning, impacting respiratory health. The lack of significant industrial activity within the city limits mitigates some pollution sources, but regional transport of pollutants is still a possibility.

Joaquim Gomes experiences a tropical climate with a pronounced wet and dry season, dictating the annual air quality narrative. The wet season, typically from April to August, generally brings improved air quality. Frequent rainfall effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere, and higher humidity suppresses dust. However, increased moisture can also foster mold growth, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The dry season, spanning September to March, presents the greatest air quality challenges. This period coincides with sugarcane harvest and associated burning, leading to significant spikes in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Lower wind speeds during the dry season exacerbate the problem, allowing pollutants to accumulate. Temperature inversions, common in the mornings, further trap pollutants near ground level. November and December are typically the months with the poorest air quality due to peak burning activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these months. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from agricultural areas will carry higher pollutant loads. Overall, favouring outdoor activities during and immediately after rainfall, particularly in the wet season, is advisable.