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Lucena, a coastal city in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position along the northeastern Atlantic coastline. Situated at approximately -6.9000 latitude and -34.8689 longitude, the city’s terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the Paraíba coastal plain. Its elevation is low, contributing to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. The city directly borders the Atlantic Ocean, influencing local weather patterns and potentially contributing to salt spray aerosol formation, a component of particulate matter. Lucena’s urban character is that of a smaller, developing city, with a population of around 12,560. The surrounding landscape is a mix of coastal vegetation, including mangroves and beaches, transitioning inland to agricultural areas focused on sugarcane and fruit cultivation. While Lucena itself doesn’t host heavy industry, its proximity to larger industrial centres further north along the coast means it can experience transboundary pollution. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural land immediately surrounding the city limits. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces potential sources of ammonia and particulate matter from soil disturbance and fertilizer use. The prevailing winds, typically easterly, carry maritime influences but can also transport pollutants from regional sources, impacting local air quality.

Lucena experiences a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality generally improves during the wet season (April to August) due to increased rainfall which effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. Higher humidity, however, can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The dry season (September to March) presents the most challenging air quality conditions. Lower rainfall allows pollutants to accumulate, and stronger, drier winds can carry dust and agricultural emissions from inland areas. November through February often see the poorest air quality, coinciding with peak agricultural activity like sugarcane burning, if practiced, and drier conditions. Temperature inversions, common during the calmer nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near ground level, exacerbating concentrations. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these periods. Fog, frequently occurring during the transition between wet and dry seasons, can also trap pollutants. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; easterly winds may bring cleaner air, while westerly winds could transport pollutants from inland sources. Overall, the wet season offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.