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Maracaçumé, a municipality nestled within the state of Maranhão, Brazil, occupies a position in the country’s northeastern region, at coordinates -2.0428, -45.9589. The city’s terrain is largely characterized by the transition zone between the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado savanna, resulting in a relatively flat landscape with gentle undulations. Situated approximately 180km from the state capital, São Luís, Maracaçumé benefits from proximity to the Itapecuru River, a vital waterway for regional transport and agriculture. The surrounding landscape is dominated by extensive agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to soybean and corn cultivation, alongside areas of preserved, though increasingly fragmented, tropical forest. This agricultural intensity is a key factor influencing local air quality. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city centre representing a concentrated area of human activity and associated emissions, quickly giving way to rural landscapes. The lack of significant industrial belts within the immediate vicinity means that agricultural practices and biomass burning are the dominant sources of particulate matter. Elevation is low, averaging around 30 meters above sea level, which can contribute to the trapping of pollutants during periods of atmospheric stability. The climate is equatorial, with high humidity and consistent temperatures throughout the year.

Maracaçumé experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality in Maracaçumé is most compromised during the dry season, typically from June to November. This period coincides with increased agricultural activity, including land clearing through burning, releasing substantial amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other pollutants. Lower humidity and reduced rainfall during these months limit the natural cleansing of the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, common in the early mornings, exacerbate the problem by trapping pollutants near ground level. The wet season, from December to May, generally brings improved air quality due to increased rainfall which washes away pollutants and higher humidity which suppresses dust. However, even during the wet season, localized burning can still occur, impacting air quality. February and March, during peak rainfall, are typically the most favourable months for outdoor activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor exertion during the dry season, particularly in September and October when burning is most prevalent. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from agricultural areas will carry higher pollutant loads.