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Bagre, a municipality nestled within the state of Pará, Brazil, occupies a crucial position in the Amazon rainforest’s transition zone. Located at -1.9000, -50.1639, the city is situated relatively close to the Amazon River, though not directly on its banks, influencing local humidity and temperature. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Amazon floodplain, with a low elevation that contributes to limited natural air dispersion. Bagre’s urban character is that of a developing Amazonian town, with a population of approximately 13,708, largely dependent on agriculture, particularly subsistence farming and small-scale cattle ranching. Surrounding the city is a vast expanse of rainforest, interspersed with cleared areas for agriculture. This creates a complex urban-rural gradient where deforestation practices, common in the region, significantly impact air quality. The proximity to agricultural zones introduces particulate matter from burning for land clearing, while the lack of substantial industrial belts means the primary pollution sources are localized and often linked to transportation and biomass burning. The Amazon’s climate, with its high humidity and limited wind patterns, exacerbates the retention of pollutants, making Bagre particularly vulnerable to air quality issues during the dry season.

Bagre experiences a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically from July to December, is when air quality deteriorates most significantly. Reduced rainfall and lower humidity allow for increased concentrations of particulate matter from agricultural burning and forest fires, often intentionally set for land preparation. Stagnant air masses, common during this period, trap pollutants near the ground, leading to hazy conditions. Temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air below, further worsen the situation. January to June marks the wet season, bringing relief from the dry season’s pollution. Frequent rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, improving air quality considerably. However, even during the wet season, localized burning can still contribute to temporary spikes in particulate matter. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and considering the use of respirators. Months of August, September, and October are particularly challenging. The prevailing easterly winds can transport smoke from distant fires into Bagre, further degrading air quality.