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Esmeraldas, Minas Gerais, nestled within the southeastern Brazilian landscape, occupies a geographically complex position that significantly influences its air quality. Located at approximately -19.7625° latitude and -44.3139° longitude, the city sits within the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle), a region historically and presently dominated by iron ore mining and related industrial activities. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, a consequence of ancient geological processes and subsequent erosion. Esmeraldas’ elevation, averaging around 800-900 meters above sea level, contributes to a tendency for temperature inversions, particularly during the cooler months, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The city is bordered by a mosaic of landscapes: to the west, extensive agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to coffee and sugarcane cultivation, introduce biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and potential pesticide drift into the atmosphere. To the east, the Iron Quadrangle’s mining operations and associated processing plants represent a major source of particulate matter and industrial emissions. The Rio das Velhas, a significant river, flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially dispersing pollutants under favorable wind conditions. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural activities transitioning quickly into residential and industrial zones. This proximity to both agricultural and industrial sectors, combined with the undulating terrain and elevation, creates a unique microclimate that can exacerbate air pollution challenges, especially when meteorological conditions are unfavorable for dispersion.

Esmeraldas experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting its air quality profile. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, often witnesses a noticeable increase in particulate matter concentrations. This is partly attributable to reduced rainfall, which limits the natural cleansing effect of precipitation, and increased dust generation from mining activities and unpaved roads. Temperature inversions are more frequent during these cooler, drier months, trapping pollutants and leading to stagnant air conditions. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue management, also contributes significantly to particulate pollution during this period. Conversely, the wet season (October to March) brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as pollutants are washed from the atmosphere. However, periods of intense rainfall can also mobilize dust and sediments, temporarily degrading air quality. Fog, particularly prevalent during the transition months (May and October), can further exacerbate pollution by reducing atmospheric mixing. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning or when temperature inversions are present. Limiting outdoor exertion and avoiding areas near mining operations or agricultural fields during these times is advisable. The increased humidity during the wet season can sometimes trigger mold growth, which can affect indoor air quality and exacerbate allergies.