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Bacuri, nestled in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, occupies a relatively flat terrain within the Amazon rainforest’s transitional zone. Located at approximately -1.7028 latitude and -45.1339 longitude, the city benefits from proximity to the Pindaré River, a major waterway influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to localized pollutant dispersion. The surrounding landscape is predominantly characterized by dense tropical forest interspersed with agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to subsistence farming and increasingly, larger-scale soy and cattle production. This agricultural expansion is a key factor impacting air quality, through land clearing practices like slash-and-burn, releasing particulate matter and contributing to deforestation. Bacuri’s urban character is that of a small, developing city, with a population of around 16,290, exhibiting a clear urban-rural gradient as it transitions into the surrounding rainforest. The relatively low elevation, combined with the humid tropical climate, can exacerbate pollutant concentrations, particularly during periods of atmospheric stability. The lack of significant industrial belts within the immediate vicinity suggests that the primary air quality concerns stem from agricultural activities, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions within the city itself. Understanding this interplay between the natural environment and human activity is crucial for effective air quality management in Bacuri.

Bacuri experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically from June to November, sees a significant increase in particulate matter due to increased land clearing for agriculture and deliberate burning for pasture management. Lower humidity and reduced rainfall during these months mean pollutants are less effectively washed from the atmosphere, leading to poorer air quality. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level, further exacerbating the issue. December to May marks the wet season, bringing relief from the dry season’s haze. Frequent rainfall effectively scrubs the air, reducing particulate matter concentrations. However, even during the wet season, vehicle emissions and dust from unpaved roads contribute to localized pollution. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious during the dry season, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and considering the use of respiratory protection. Fog, common during the transition periods, can also trap pollutants. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from agricultural areas during burning season will carry pollutants directly into Bacuri, making those periods particularly hazardous.