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Balneário do Rincão, nestled in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, occupies a unique coastal position within the Paraná Plain. Its coordinates (-28.8344, -49.2361) place it approximately 450 kilometers south of Curitiba, the state capital, and a short distance inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s terrain is characterized by gently undulating plains, transitioning to slightly higher ground towards the west, a typical feature of the coastal plain. This relatively flat topography, while facilitating urban development, can also contribute to localized air quality challenges, particularly during periods of stagnant air. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural land – primarily soybean and maize cultivation – interspersed with patches of Atlantic Forest remnants. This agricultural activity, while economically vital, introduces potential sources of particulate matter and ammonia into the atmosphere. The urban–rural gradient is relatively gradual, with smaller settlements and agricultural fields extending outwards from the city center. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean exerts a significant influence, bringing maritime breezes that generally help disperse pollutants, but also introducing salt spray and, occasionally, marine-derived aerosols. The absence of major industrial belts directly adjacent to Balneário do Rincão is a positive factor, though transportation corridors connecting it to larger urban centers can introduce vehicular emissions. Elevation is relatively low, averaging around 20-30 meters above sea level, further influencing atmospheric mixing and potential for pollutant accumulation.

Balneário do Rincão experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact air quality. The summer months (December to February) are typically hot and humid, often accompanied by periods of intense rainfall. While the rain helps to cleanse the atmosphere, the high humidity can trap pollutants, especially during stagnant weather patterns. The autumn months (March to May) often see a decrease in rainfall and a gradual cooling, but can also bring periods of temperature inversions, particularly in the evenings, where cooler air becomes trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, preventing vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants near the ground. Winter (June to August) is generally the driest season, and while temperatures are cooler, the lack of rainfall and potential for temperature inversions can lead to a build-up of pollutants, particularly those from agricultural burning, a common practice in the region for land clearing and crop residue management. Spring (September to November) marks a transition period with increasing rainfall and gradually improving air quality. The prevailing winds from the Atlantic Ocean generally provide ventilation, but their effectiveness is reduced during periods of high-pressure systems. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious during winter evenings and during periods of agricultural burning, limiting outdoor activity when visibility is reduced. The combination of agricultural practices and climatic conditions creates a dynamic air quality profile throughout the year, requiring vigilance and awareness.