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Mandaguari, nestled in the state of Paraná, Brazil, occupies a relatively flat portion of the Paraná Plateau, at an elevation of approximately 550 meters. This gently undulating terrain, characteristic of the plateau, is largely composed of basaltic rock formations. The city’s coordinates (-23.5225, -51.6788) place it within a transitional zone between the Mata Atlântica biome and the Cerrado savanna, influencing local vegetation and agricultural practices. Mandaguari is not directly adjacent to major bodies of water, though it lies within the Paraná River basin, benefitting from groundwater resources. The surrounding landscape is dominated by extensive agricultural lands, primarily soybean, corn, and sugarcane cultivation, alongside cattle ranching. This agricultural intensity is a key factor influencing air quality. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city centre representing a concentrated source of emissions from vehicle traffic and small-scale industries, while the surrounding areas contribute particulate matter from agricultural activities like land preparation and burning. The lack of significant topographical features limits natural ventilation, potentially exacerbating pollution episodes. The regional climate, subtropical with well-defined seasons, further modulates air quality patterns. The city’s position within Paraná makes it susceptible to both regional and long-range transport of pollutants.

Mandaguari experiences a distinct seasonality impacting air quality. The dry season, typically from May to September, presents the most challenging conditions. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust and particulate matter from agricultural activities, particularly during land preparation for planting. Lower humidity also inhibits the settling of pollutants. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler mornings of this period, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality. October and November bring increased rainfall, washing away accumulated pollutants and improving conditions. However, this period also sees increased agricultural burning, releasing significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter. December to February, the wettest months, generally offer the best air quality due to frequent rainfall and higher humidity. March and April represent a transition period, with fluctuating conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry months, especially in the mornings. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; southerly winds can bring pollutants from more industrialized areas further south. Fog, common in cooler months, can exacerbate particulate matter concentrations, reducing visibility and impacting respiratory health.