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Passira, a municipality nestled in the interior of Pernambuco, Brazil, occupies a geographically complex position within the broader Agreste region. Located at -7.9950, -35.5808, the city’s terrain is characterised by rolling hills and a transitional landscape between the coastal Zona da Mata and the semi-arid Sertão. This positioning significantly influences its air quality. Passira’s elevation, averaging around 220 meters, contributes to localized temperature inversions, trapping pollutants during calmer periods. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with sugarcane and fruit orchards dominating the rural areas. While not heavily industrialized, the processing of agricultural products generates particulate matter. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city centre experiencing higher concentrations of vehicle emissions and dust from unpaved roads. Proximity to the Ipojuca River, while providing a water source, doesn’t offer significant dispersion of pollutants due to its relatively narrow width and limited flow in drier months. The prevailing winds, typically from the southeast, can carry pollutants from nearby agricultural burning, impacting air quality, particularly during the dry season. The city’s small size limits the scale of industrial pollution, but agricultural practices and transportation remain key factors.

Passira experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The wet season, generally from April to August, brings relief from pollution. Frequent rainfall effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere, and higher humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground, especially in the mornings. The dry season, from September to March, presents the greatest air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall allows dust and agricultural burn smoke to accumulate. The sugarcane harvest, peaking between August and December, contributes significantly to particulate matter through field burning, a common practice despite regulations. Stronger winds during this period can exacerbate the spread of smoke. February and March are typically the worst months for respiratory issues. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during these months. Temperature inversions are more frequent during the cooler nights of the dry season, worsening air quality. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from agricultural areas signal potential smoke exposure. Staying indoors with windows closed and using air purifiers are recommended during peak pollution periods.