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Nova Venécia, nestled in the heart of Espírito Santo, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within the transition zone between the Atlantic Forest biome and the Cerrado savanna. Located at approximately -18.7108° latitude and -40.4008° longitude, the city sits at an elevation of roughly 280 meters (919 feet) above sea level, contributing to a relatively mild climate. The surrounding landscape is characterized by undulating hills and valleys, interspersed with patches of remnant Atlantic Forest and extensive areas of pastureland used for cattle ranching and soybean cultivation – key agricultural drivers in the region. The Rio Juruá, a tributary of the larger Rio Doce, flows nearby, influencing local humidity and microclimates. Nova Venécia’s urban fabric is a blend of traditional colonial architecture and modern development, reflecting its historical role as a regional trading post. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city quickly gives way to agricultural lands and scattered rural settlements. While not directly adjacent to a major industrial belt, Nova Venécia serves as a service hub for the surrounding agricultural region, with associated processing facilities and transportation infrastructure. This proximity to agricultural activity, combined with the Cerrado’s naturally dusty conditions and occasional biomass burning during land clearing, can significantly influence local air quality, particularly during drier periods. The topography, with its hills and valleys, can also trap pollutants, especially under stable atmospheric conditions, impacting air circulation and dispersion.

Nova Venécia experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, presents the most significant air quality challenges. During this period, reduced rainfall and increased temperatures contribute to higher concentrations of particulate matter. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land preparation and pasture management, becomes more prevalent, releasing significant amounts of smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere. The lack of consistent rainfall allows dust from agricultural fields and unpaved roads to become airborne, further degrading air quality. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, are also more frequent during the dry season, hindering pollutant dispersion. The wet season, from October to March, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the air and reducing particulate matter concentrations. However, heavy rainfall events can occasionally lead to increased levels of mold spores and allergens. Wind patterns play a crucial role; prevailing winds from the south-west can transport pollutants from agricultural areas into the city. Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Elderly individuals and young children are also more vulnerable and should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these times. The transition months (March/April and September/October) often experience variable air quality, influenced by shifting weather patterns.