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Tarumirim, nestled in the southern reaches of Minas Gerais, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range. Located at approximately -19.2808° latitude and -42.0069° longitude, the city’s elevation of around 850 meters above sea level immediately influences its climate and, consequently, its air quality. The surrounding landscape is dominated by rolling hills, pastures, and remnants of Atlantic Forest, transitioning into a predominantly rural character with scattered agricultural activity. This gradient from rural to urban is relatively gentle, with smaller settlements and farms interspersed throughout the region. The city itself is a modest municipality, characterized by a compact urban core and a gradual expansion outwards, largely following the contours of the terrain. While not directly adjacent to major rivers, Tarumirim benefits from several smaller streams and springs originating from the Mantiqueira range, contributing to localized humidity. The region’s geology, rich in minerals, historically supported mining activities, though these have largely diminished. However, legacy impacts from past mining, including potential soil contamination, could indirectly affect air quality through dust resuspension. The prevailing winds, generally flowing eastward from the Mantiqueira range, play a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, but can also concentrate them under specific meteorological conditions. The mountainous terrain creates localized microclimates, influencing temperature and humidity patterns, which in turn impact the behaviour of airborne pollutants. The proximity to larger urban centers like São João del Rei and Governador Valadares, while providing economic links, also introduces the potential for transboundary pollution transport.

Tarumirim’s tropical savanna climate (Aw) dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting air quality throughout the year. The dry season, typically spanning from April to September, is characterized by lower rainfall and increased sunshine hours. This period often sees a rise in particulate matter concentrations, primarily due to agricultural activities like controlled burns for land clearing and harvesting. The drier air also facilitates the resuspension of dust from unpaved roads and construction sites, a common occurrence in a town with a developing infrastructure. Temperature inversions, more frequent during the cooler, drier months of June and July, can trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality concerns. Conversely, the wet season (October to March) brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the atmosphere and reducing particulate concentrations. Frequent rain showers effectively ‘wash out’ pollutants, leading to improved air quality. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to increased soil erosion and runoff, potentially carrying contaminants into waterways and, indirectly, impacting air quality through aerosol formation. Fog, while less frequent, can occur during the cooler months, trapping pollutants and reducing visibility. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Limiting outdoor exertion during these times and wearing appropriate masks can mitigate potential health risks. The transition months of March and October often present unpredictable air quality conditions, requiring vigilance and awareness of local weather patterns.