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Inhumas, Goiás, nestled within the Brazilian Cerrado biome, presents a unique geographic profile influencing its air quality. Located at approximately -16.3578° latitude and -49.4961° longitude, the city sits at an elevation of roughly 370 meters (1214 feet) above sea level, contributing to a relatively stable atmospheric layer. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the characteristic savanna vegetation of the Cerrado, a mix of grasslands, shrubs, and gallery forests along seasonal streams. This region is undergoing significant agricultural expansion, with soybean, maize, and sugarcane cultivation prevalent, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. Inhumas itself exhibits a typical Brazilian small-city urban character, with a central commercial area radiating outwards into residential zones. The city’s proximity to the larger industrial belt of Goiânia, the state capital, means it can experience downwind transport of pollutants. While not directly adjacent to major rivers, the Piranhão River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially affecting the dispersion of airborne particles. The Cerrado’s dry season, coupled with agricultural burning practices common in the region, significantly impacts air quality. The terrain is generally flat, which can exacerbate pollutant accumulation, particularly during periods of low wind speed. The city’s location within a broad intertropical zone means it experiences consistently warm temperatures, further influencing atmospheric chemistry and pollutant behaviour. The prevalence of unpaved roads within and around Inhumas also contributes to particulate matter pollution.

Inhumas’ tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from May to September, is characterized by lower rainfall and higher temperatures, creating conditions ripe for pollution accumulation. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, intensifies during this period, releasing substantial amounts of particulate matter and gases into the atmosphere. Stagnant air masses and temperature inversions, more frequent during the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, leading to periods of reduced visibility and elevated air quality concerns. The wet season, from October to April, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, which naturally helps to cleanse the air by washing away particulate matter. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased levels of ozone, a secondary pollutant formed through photochemical reactions. The combination of high humidity and sunlight can exacerbate ozone formation. Months like August and September often experience the poorest air quality due to the peak of agricultural burning. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activity during these periods. During the wet season, while overall air quality improves, individuals with allergies may experience increased symptoms due to pollen and mold spores. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation and air filtration is crucial year-round, but particularly important during periods of elevated outdoor pollution.