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Mineiros do Tietê, nestled in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, occupies a geographically significant position within the broader Tietê River basin. Located at coordinates -22.4089, -48.4508, the city’s terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills typical of the state’s interior plateau. The elevation, approximately 560 meters above sea level, influences local weather patterns and pollutant dispersion. The Tietê River itself, though heavily impacted by decades of pollution, is a defining feature of the region, providing both a water source and a potential pathway for pollutant transport. Surrounding Mineiros do Tietê is a landscape dominated by agricultural land, primarily sugarcane and soybean cultivation, alongside pockets of remaining Atlantic Forest remnants. This agricultural intensity contributes significantly to air quality concerns through the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and biomass burning. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the small city centre quickly transitioning to expansive farmland. The proximity to larger industrial centres further downstream along the Tietê River, such as Piracicaba, means Mineiros do Tietê can experience the effects of regional pollution transport, particularly during periods of stable atmospheric conditions. The city’s relatively small size and limited infrastructure contribute to localized pollution hotspots, especially related to vehicle emissions and dust from unpaved roads.

Air quality in Mineiros do Tietê follows a distinct seasonal pattern largely dictated by the region’s wet and dry seasons. The drier months, typically from May to September, witness a significant deterioration in air quality. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust resuspension from agricultural fields and unpaved roads, contributing to particulate matter pollution. Biomass burning, often associated with agricultural practices like sugarcane harvest preparation, is also more prevalent during this period, releasing substantial amounts of smoke and harmful gases. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the problem. Conversely, the wet season, from October to April, generally brings improved air quality. Rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, even during the wet season, localized pollution from vehicle emissions and small-scale industrial activity remains a concern. Sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious during the dry season, limiting outdoor exertion and utilizing air filtration when possible. The months of August and September are typically the most challenging for air quality, while November and December offer the most favourable conditions.