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Miranda, nestled in the southwestern portion of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, occupies a unique geographic position within the Pantanal floodplain. Located at -20.2408 latitude and -56.3778 longitude, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Pantanal’s vast wetlands. The Paraguay River flows nearby, significantly influencing local humidity and contributing to seasonal flooding. With a population of approximately 25,536, Miranda serves as a gateway to this immense ecological region, balancing agricultural activity with ecotourism. The surrounding landscape is dominated by grasslands, seasonally flooded savannas, and gallery forests along the riverbanks. Elevation is low, generally below 100 meters, exacerbating the potential for stagnant air masses. While not heavily industrialized, agricultural practices, particularly cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, contribute to particulate matter and ammonia emissions. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city centre transitioning quickly to expansive Pantanal landscapes. This proximity to large-scale agricultural land use, combined with the flat topography and limited wind dispersal, creates conditions that can concentrate pollutants, impacting local air quality. The Pantanal’s seasonal cycles of inundation and drought further influence dust and biomass burning emissions.

Miranda experiences a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, roughly from May to September, sees significantly reduced rainfall and increased susceptibility to wildfires, both natural and anthropogenic, originating from agricultural land clearing. Smoke from these fires becomes the dominant pollutant, leading to hazy conditions and respiratory irritation. August and September are typically the months with the poorest air quality. Conversely, the wet season, from October to April, brings relief through rainfall that washes away particulate matter and suppresses fires. However, high humidity can also promote the formation of mold and allergens. November and December often experience localized flooding, potentially releasing pollutants from disturbed sediments. Temperature inversions, common during cooler nights in the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exertion during the dry season, particularly when smoke is visible. During the wet season, while air quality generally improves, monitoring for mold and allergen levels is advisable. Wind patterns, generally from the east, can transport pollutants from agricultural areas westward towards the city.