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Benevides, Pará, Brazil, occupies a strategically important location within the Amazon biome, approximately 110 kilometers northwest of Belém, the state capital. Situated at -1.3608° latitude and -48.2450° longitude, the city’s geography is defined by the Tocantins River basin, a vast fluvial network that profoundly shapes the regional landscape. The terrain is predominantly low-lying, characterized by alluvial plains and várzea forests – seasonally flooded areas crucial to the Amazon ecosystem. Elevation rarely exceeds 30 meters above sea level, contributing to a relatively flat urban profile. Benevides’ position along the BR-010 highway, a major transportation artery, facilitates connectivity to Belém and other Amazonian settlements, but also introduces potential sources of vehicular emissions. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of dense rainforest, interspersed with agricultural lands, particularly cattle ranches and soybean farms, reflecting the region’s significant agricultural activity. This proximity to agricultural zones introduces the possibility of localized air pollution from agricultural practices, including burning and pesticide application. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city transitioning quickly into the dense Amazonian forest. The influence of the Tocantins River is paramount; its seasonal flooding patterns impact local air quality by influencing humidity and the dispersion of pollutants. The climate is equatorial, hot and humid year-round, which can trap pollutants and exacerbate respiratory issues. The city’s location within the Amazon also means it is susceptible to transboundary pollution events originating from deforestation and industrial activities further upstream.

Benevides experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly influencing its air quality profile. The wet season, typically spanning from November to May, brings consistently high humidity and frequent rainfall. While the rain generally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory conditions for sensitive individuals. The dry season, from June to October, is characterized by lower rainfall and higher temperatures. This period often sees a build-up of pollutants due to reduced precipitation and increased solar radiation, which can lead to photochemical smog formation. During the dry season, stagnant air masses are more common, particularly during July and August, hindering the dispersion of pollutants released from agricultural activities and vehicle traffic. The prevailing winds, though generally light, can shift, occasionally trapping pollutants within the city. Fog, though infrequent, can occur during cooler nights in the dry season, further concentrating pollutants near ground level. The months of August and September are generally considered periods when outdoor activities should be approached with caution, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses. During the wet season, while overall air quality tends to be better, the high humidity can still trigger asthma and other respiratory problems. It’s advisable for individuals with respiratory sensitivities to monitor local conditions and take precautions, such as using air purifiers and limiting exposure to outdoor allergens. Agricultural burning, a common practice in the region, can significantly impact air quality during both seasons, but is often more pronounced during the dry season when vegetation is drier and more susceptible to fire.