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Pojuca, a municipality nestled in the state of Bahia, Brazil, occupies a geographically strategic position within the broader Reconcavo Baiano region. Located at approximately -12.3500 latitude and -38.3333 longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by a gentle, undulating landscape transitioning from coastal plains inland. This relatively low elevation, averaging around 25 meters above sea level, contributes to limited natural air dispersion. Pojuca benefits from proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 50km distant, which can introduce sea breezes but also humidity influencing pollutant behaviour. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to coconut cultivation and small-scale farming, alongside patches of Atlantic Forest remnants. While Pojuca itself isn’t heavily industrialized, its location within the metropolitan area of Salvador means it’s susceptible to regional pollution transport. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced, with denser settlement concentrated around the BR-101 highway, a major transport artery. This highway is a significant source of vehicular emissions. The city’s growth is increasingly blurring this gradient, leading to increased demand for infrastructure and potential localized pollution hotspots. Understanding this interplay between land use, topography, and regional influences is crucial for assessing and mitigating air quality challenges in Pojuca.

Pojuca experiences a tropical climate, defined by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality in Pojuca is most compromised during the dry season, typically from August to December. Reduced rainfall leads to dust resuspension from agricultural activities and unpaved roads, increasing particulate matter concentrations. Lower humidity also inhibits the scavenging of pollutants by precipitation. Temperature inversions, common during calm, clear nights in the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. The wet season, from March to July, generally brings improved air quality due to rainfall washing away pollutants and increased humidity suppressing dust. However, intense rainfall can also lead to localized flooding and the spread of contaminants. February and March, transitioning from wet to dry, can see a build-up of pollutants as the atmosphere stabilizes. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the drier months. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; easterly winds can transport pollutants from the industrial areas around Salvador. Fog, common in the mornings, can trap pollutants, particularly during the transition seasons.