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Grão Mogol, nestled in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Situated at coordinates -16.5589, -42.8900, the city occupies a transitional zone between the Brazilian Cerrado biome and the Caatinga, a semi-arid ecoregion. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and plateaus, typical of the Espinhaço Mountains range, with an elevation around 850 meters. This altitude contributes to cooler temperatures compared to surrounding lower-lying areas. The São Francisco River flows nearby, a vital water source but also a potential pathway for pollutant transport during periods of low flow or agricultural runoff. Grão Mogol’s urban character is that of a small, developing city, with a population of approximately 13,901. While not heavily industrialized, the surrounding region features agricultural activity, primarily cattle ranching and subsistence farming, which can contribute to particulate matter from land use changes and burning practices. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with significant areas of preserved Cerrado vegetation surrounding the city. This proximity to natural landscapes offers some buffering capacity, but also means the city is susceptible to long-range transport of pollutants from regional fires and dust storms, particularly during the dry season. The topography, with its hills and valleys, can also trap pollutants, exacerbating local air quality issues.

Grão Mogol experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from May to September, is characterized by lower humidity and increased wind speeds, leading to higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM) from dust and agricultural burning. This is when conditions are generally least favourable for outdoor activity, particularly for those with respiratory sensitivities. October and November mark the transition, with sporadic rainfall offering temporary relief, but often accompanied by increased humidity and potential for fungal spores. The wet season, from December to April, generally brings improved air quality due to rainfall scavenging pollutants and suppressing dust. However, intense rainfall can also lead to localized flooding and the spread of pollutants from agricultural runoff. Temperature inversions, common during cooler nights throughout the year, can trap pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and periods of temperature inversion. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from the north and west often carry dust from drier regions, while southerly winds can bring cleaner air. Fog, prevalent during cooler months, can also exacerbate particulate matter concentrations.