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Água Clara, nestled in the heart of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, occupies a strategic position within the Cerrado biome, a vast tropical savanna ecoregion. Located at approximately -20.45° latitude and -52.86° longitude, the city’s coordinates place it on relatively flat terrain, averaging around 420 meters above sea level. This low elevation, combined with the expansive, gently undulating landscape of the Cerrado, contributes to a unique atmospheric profile. The surrounding landscape is characterized by grasslands interspersed with gallery forests along the Paraguay River, which flows approximately 50 kilometers to the east, influencing local humidity and wind patterns. Água Clara’s proximity to the BR-050 highway, a major transportation artery, introduces a degree of vehicular emissions, though the city’s relatively small population (16,741) mitigates the immediate impact. The dominant land use in the region is agriculture, particularly soybean and cattle farming, which can contribute to particulate matter through soil disturbance and agricultural burning practices, especially during the dry season. The urban–rural gradient is gradual, with agricultural fields extending almost to the city limits. The Cerrado’s characteristic dry climate and seasonal rainfall patterns significantly impact air circulation, often leading to stagnant air conditions during the drier months, which can trap pollutants. The lack of significant topographic barriers further exacerbates this effect, limiting the dispersion of airborne contaminants. The city’s location within a major agricultural belt means that regional agricultural activities have a direct bearing on local air quality.

Água Clara experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, is the period of greatest concern. Reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric moisture, creating drier conditions that promote the accumulation of particulate matter. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue removal, intensifies during this period, releasing significant amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are also more frequent during the dry season, further hindering vertical mixing and trapping pollutants near the ground. The wet season, from October to March, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, which naturally cleanse the atmosphere, washing away particulate matter and diluting gaseous pollutants. Stronger winds associated with the wet season also aid in dispersing pollutants. Fog, though infrequent, can occur during cooler mornings in the transition periods between seasons, temporarily reducing visibility and trapping pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak burning periods and days with stagnant air. While the wet season generally offers improved air quality, periods of heavy rainfall can occasionally lead to increased mold and fungal spores, impacting indoor air quality. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can be beneficial throughout the year, particularly during seasonal transitions.