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Xaxim, nestled in the heart of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within the Planalto Serrano, a highland plateau region. Located at approximately -26.9619 latitude and -52.5350 longitude, the city’s elevation averages around 850 meters (2,789 feet) above sea level, contributing to a generally cooler climate compared to coastal areas of Santa Catarina. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, extensive pastures, and pockets of Atlantic Forest remnants, reflecting the region’s historical agricultural focus, primarily dairy farming and poultry production. Xaxim’s proximity to the Rio Uruguai, though not directly on its banks, influences local humidity and microclimates. The urban fabric of Xaxim is relatively compact, exhibiting a clear urban–rural gradient as one moves outwards from the central district. While the city itself is primarily residential and commercial, the surrounding area is dominated by agricultural land, with occasional small-scale industrial activity related to food processing and agricultural inputs. This agricultural activity, particularly poultry farming, can contribute to localized air quality concerns, especially related to ammonia emissions and particulate matter from dust and soil. The plateau’s topography can also lead to localized air stagnation, particularly during periods of calm weather, hindering pollutant dispersion. The city’s location within a broader agricultural belt means that regional weather patterns and agricultural practices significantly impact Xaxim’s air quality profile.

Xaxim experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing its air quality dynamics. The wet season, typically spanning from November to March, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as precipitation washes away particulate matter and dilutes gaseous pollutants. However, intense storms can temporarily elevate particulate levels due to wind-driven dust and soil erosion from agricultural fields. The dry season, from April to October, presents a more complex picture. Reduced rainfall and increased evapotranspiration lead to lower humidity, which can exacerbate the effects of particulate matter. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months (June-August), trap pollutants near the ground, potentially leading to localized air quality degradation. Calm wind conditions during these months further impede pollutant dispersion. Agricultural activities intensify during the dry season, with increased fertilizer application and harvesting, contributing to ammonia and particulate emissions. Fog, particularly in the mornings during the dry season, can also trap pollutants, reducing visibility and impacting air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during periods of fog or temperature inversions, limiting outdoor exertion. While the wet season generally offers respite, periods of intense rainfall can temporarily worsen air quality. Overall, the months of July and August often present the most challenging air quality conditions due to the combination of temperature inversions and reduced wind speeds.