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Cumaru, nestled in the Zona da Mata region of Pernambuco, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within a landscape characterized by rolling hills and a transition zone between the Atlantic Forest biome and the drier interior. Located at approximately -8.0058° latitude and -35.6969° longitude, the city’s elevation, though modest, contributes to localized microclimates. The surrounding terrain is a mosaic of small farms, sugar cane plantations, and remnants of the Atlantic Forest, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. Cumaru’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 50 kilometers to the east, influences regional weather patterns and introduces a maritime influence, though the distance moderates its direct impact on air quality. The Zona da Mata is historically a key agricultural region, with sugar cane cultivation being particularly prevalent. This agricultural activity, alongside potential small-scale processing facilities within or near Cumaru, represents a potential source of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. The city’s relatively small population (15,920) suggests a primarily rural character, with limited heavy industry. However, the regional importance of sugar cane means that seasonal burning practices, a common agricultural technique, can significantly impact air quality during specific periods. The prevailing winds, generally easterly, can transport pollutants from agricultural areas into the city, while the topography can trap pollutants in certain locations, creating localized air quality hotspots. The Atlantic Forest fragments surrounding Cumaru, while providing some natural air filtration, are increasingly fragmented, reducing their overall effectiveness.

Cumaru’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, profoundly influencing its air quality dynamics. The dry season, typically spanning from August to November, presents the greatest air quality challenges. During this period, reduced rainfall and lower humidity create conditions conducive to the accumulation of pollutants. Agricultural burning, a practice employed to clear land for planting and harvesting sugar cane, intensifies significantly, releasing substantial quantities of particulate matter and gases into the atmosphere. Stagnant air masses, common during the dry season, exacerbate the problem by preventing pollutants from dispersing. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, can also occur, further hindering vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants near ground level. The wet season, from March to July, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, naturally cleansing the air and reducing pollutant concentrations. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to flooding, which can mobilize pollutants from the soil and contribute to temporary air quality degradation. The months of September and October are generally the most challenging for air quality due to the peak of agricultural burning. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activity during these periods and consider wearing masks. During the wet season, while overall air quality improves, vigilance is still advised, particularly following heavy rainfall events, as resuspended dust and mold spores can trigger allergic reactions.