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São Miguel dos Campos, nestled in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within the Mundaú River valley, approximately 20 kilometers inland from the Atlantic coastline. The city’s coordinates (-9.7811, -36.0936) place it on a relatively flat coastal plain, with elevations generally remaining below 50 meters. This low-lying terrain contributes to limited natural air dispersion. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of sugarcane plantations, coconut groves, and mangrove forests along the river and coast. While not heavily industrialized itself, São Miguel dos Campos is situated within a region experiencing increasing agricultural intensification, particularly sugarcane cultivation, and is influenced by industrial activity in nearby Maceió, the state capital. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural land immediately bordering the city limits. The Mundaú River, a large lagoon system, plays a crucial role in local climate and potentially influences pollutant transport. The prevailing winds, generally from the southeast, can carry pollutants from coastal industrial areas inland, impacting air quality in São Miguel dos Campos. The city’s location within a tropical climate zone means humidity is consistently high, which can exacerbate the effects of certain pollutants.

São Miguel dos Campos experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality generally improves during the wet season (April to August) due to increased rainfall which effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. The higher humidity, however, can promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The driest months, September to March, consistently present the poorest air quality. This is largely due to increased dust from agricultural activities – sugarcane harvesting and land preparation – and a greater prevalence of wildfires in surrounding areas. Temperature inversions, common during the dry season’s cooler nights, trap pollutants near ground level, worsening conditions. The southeast trade winds, while generally providing some dispersion, can also transport pollutants from the industrial areas around Maceió during periods of low wind speed. Sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly in September and October when agricultural burning is most frequent. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding peak pollution hours is advisable. Fog, common in the early mornings, can also trap pollutants, increasing exposure.