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Canhotinho, nestled in the heart of Pernambuco, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within the Agreste region, a transitional zone between the densely forested Zona da Mata and the arid Sertão. Located at approximately -8.8819° latitude and -36.1908° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by undulating hills and valleys, typical of the Brazilian Northeast’s interior plateau. The elevation averages around 400 meters above sea level, influencing local climate patterns and air circulation. Canhotinho’s surrounding landscape is a mosaic of small-scale agriculture, primarily sugarcane cultivation and fruit orchards, interspersed with patches of caatinga vegetation – a drought-resistant biome unique to northeastern Brazil. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, contributes to potential air quality concerns, particularly during harvest seasons. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city itself is compact, with a clear delineation between the built environment and the surrounding agricultural lands. While not directly adjacent to major rivers, Canhotinho benefits from groundwater resources, impacting local humidity levels. The city’s regional position, away from major industrial belts, generally shields it from large-scale industrial pollution. However, the prevalence of burning practices in surrounding agricultural areas, particularly for land clearing and sugarcane processing, represents a localized but significant factor affecting air quality, especially during drier periods. The prevailing winds, often influenced by regional weather systems, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants within the area.

Canhotinho’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from August to November, is characterized by reduced rainfall, higher temperatures, and increased solar radiation. This period often witnesses a noticeable decline in air quality due to the prevalence of agricultural burning. Farmers utilize controlled burns to clear land for planting and to manage sugarcane fields, releasing significant quantities of particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, can trap these pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the situation. The months of September and October are particularly concerning, with increased respiratory irritation reported among residents. Conversely, the wet season (December to July) brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the atmosphere and significantly improving air quality. The increased rainfall washes away particulate matter, and higher wind speeds associated with the wet season help disperse pollutants. Fog, while infrequent, can occasionally occur during the transition periods, temporarily reducing visibility and trapping pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak burning periods and seeking shelter indoors when air quality is visibly affected. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation and air filtration can also provide some relief. The transition months, May and November, often present unpredictable air quality conditions, requiring vigilance and awareness of local burning practices.