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Jussara, a municipality nestled in the state of Goiás, Brazil, occupies a position within the Cerrado biome, a vast tropical savanna ecoregion. Located at approximately -15.8650° latitude and -50.8678° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills and plateaus, typical of the Brazilian Highlands. The elevation, while not extreme, contributes to localized temperature variations and influences atmospheric circulation patterns. Jussara’s air quality is intrinsically linked to its surrounding landscape, dominated by agricultural lands – primarily soybean and corn cultivation – and scattered areas of native Cerrado vegetation. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city centre representing a concentrated source of localized emissions from vehicle traffic and small-scale commercial activity. While no major industrial belts are directly within Jussara, regional agricultural practices, including the use of fertilizers and controlled burns for land preparation, contribute to particulate matter and gaseous pollutant levels. The absence of significant bodies of water immediately adjacent to Jussara means that evaporative cooling effects are limited, potentially exacerbating heat island effects and pollutant concentration during drier periods. The prevailing winds, influenced by the broader South American monsoon system, play a crucial role in dispersing or trapping pollutants depending on seasonal shifts.

Jussara experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning May to September, presents the most challenging conditions. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust resuspension from agricultural lands and unpaved roads, elevating particulate matter concentrations. Lower humidity also inhibits the natural scavenging of pollutants by atmospheric moisture. Temperature inversions, common during calm, clear nights in the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level, worsening air quality. October to April marks the wet season, bringing significant improvements. Rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and increased humidity promotes pollutant deposition. However, the transition periods – particularly October and April – can experience fluctuating conditions. Controlled burns for agricultural land preparation, frequently occurring before the wet season, can cause temporary spikes in smoke and particulate matter. For individuals with respiratory sensitivities, avoiding outdoor exertion during the peak of the dry season (July-August) and periods of agricultural burning is advisable. Monitoring wind direction is also crucial, as pollutants can be transported from surrounding agricultural areas. The wet season generally offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.