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Antônio Carlos, nestled in the Serra do Tabuleiro mountains of Santa Catarina, Brazil, presents a unique geographic context for air quality. Located at coordinates -27.5169, -48.7678, the city’s elevation of approximately 120 meters above sea level influences atmospheric circulation and pollutant dispersion. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, dense Atlantic Forest remnants, and agricultural lands, primarily focused on small-scale farming and livestock. The proximity to the larger urban center of Florianópolis (approximately 30km distant) introduces a degree of regional air pollution influence, particularly during periods of stagnant air. The Ribeirão da Ilha river flows nearby, contributing to local humidity but not significantly impacting major industrial emissions. Antônio Carlos exhibits a clear urban-rural gradient; the city center is relatively compact, transitioning quickly to rural areas dominated by agriculture and forest. This gradient affects pollution patterns, with higher concentrations typically found near roadways and residential areas within the city core. The terrain, while providing natural beauty, can also trap pollutants during temperature inversions, limiting vertical mixing and exacerbating air quality issues. The prevailing winds, generally from the southeast, play a crucial role in pollutant transport and dilution, but can also carry pollutants from nearby agricultural burning.

Antônio Carlos experiences a humid subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons influencing air quality. The wet season, spanning roughly October to March, generally sees improved air quality due to rainfall scavenging pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also foster mold growth, impacting respiratory health. The dry season, from April to September, presents a higher risk of air pollution. Reduced rainfall allows particulate matter from agricultural activities – particularly burning of crop residue after harvest – to accumulate. Temperature inversions are more frequent during the cooler months of June and July, trapping pollutants near the ground and leading to localized air quality deterioration. August and September often experience drier conditions and increased wind speeds, which can temporarily improve dispersion, but also carry dust and smoke from distant sources. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should limit strenuous outdoor activity during dry, still periods. Monitoring local conditions and avoiding peak agricultural burning times (typically May-June) is advisable. Fog, common in the mornings, can exacerbate particulate matter concentrations, reducing visibility and impacting respiratory health.