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Sorriso, nestled in the heart of Mato Grosso, Brazil, is a rapidly growing municipality profoundly shaped by its agricultural landscape. Located at -12.5450, -55.7108, the city sits on relatively flat terrain characteristic of the Amazon rainforest-Cerrado transition zone. This region is dominated by expansive soybean and corn fields, making Sorriso a major agricultural hub, often referred to as the ‘Brazilian Capital of Corn’. The surrounding landscape is primarily composed of Cerrado savanna, interspersed with gallery forests along seasonal streams. The Araguaia River lies to the northwest, influencing regional humidity but not directly impacting the city’s immediate environment. Sorriso’s urban character is defined by its planned layout, reflecting its relatively recent development driven by agribusiness. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; the city centre quickly gives way to vast agricultural expanses. This proximity to large-scale farming is a key determinant of air quality, with seasonal burning for land preparation and pesticide application contributing significantly to particulate matter and volatile organic compound concentrations. The lack of significant topographical features allows for limited natural dispersion of pollutants, exacerbating air quality issues during certain periods. Dust from agricultural activities also contributes to PM10 levels, particularly during the dry season.

Sorriso experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically from May to September, sees a significant deterioration in air quality. This is primarily due to widespread agricultural burning to clear land for the next planting season. Smoke plumes from these fires, combined with lower wind speeds and increased dust from exposed soil, lead to elevated particulate matter concentrations. August and September are particularly challenging months for those with respiratory sensitivities. Conversely, the wet season (October to April) brings relief. Rainfall effectively suppresses burning and washes particulate matter from the atmosphere, resulting in cleaner air. However, the increased humidity can also foster fungal growth, potentially triggering allergic reactions. November to February, during the peak of the rainy season, generally offers the best air quality. Temperature inversions, common during cooler nights in the dry season, can trap pollutants near the ground, worsening conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exertion during the dry season and monitor their health closely. Staying indoors with windows closed during peak burning periods is advisable.