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Orlândia, nestled in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, occupies a gently undulating terrain within the broader Bauru Plateau. Located at coordinates -20.7203, -47.8867, the city’s elevation is approximately 560 meters above sea level, influencing local atmospheric circulation. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by extensive sugarcane and soybean cultivation, typical of the São Paulo interior. This agricultural dominance significantly impacts air quality, with seasonal burning practices and pesticide application contributing to particulate matter and volatile organic compound emissions. Orlândia isn’t directly adjacent to large bodies of water, though smaller rivers and streams dissect the region, providing limited natural dispersion of pollutants. The city’s position isn’t within a major industrial belt, but regional industrial activity in larger nearby cities like Ribeirão Preto does contribute to background pollution levels. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city centre is densely populated, while the periphery quickly transitions into expansive farmland. This gradient affects pollutant concentration, with higher levels typically found in the urban core due to traffic and domestic fuel combustion. The prevailing winds, generally from the south-southeast, play a crucial role in pollutant transport and dispersion, often carrying agricultural emissions towards the city.

Orlândia experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from May to September, sees a significant deterioration in air quality. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and agricultural burning for sugarcane harvest peaks during these months, releasing substantial particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon monoxide. Temperature inversions are also more frequent during the cooler, drier mornings, trapping pollutants near the ground. October and November bring the transition to the wet season, with increased rainfall gradually improving air quality. December to March represent the wettest period, offering the best air quality due to frequent rainfall washing away pollutants and higher humidity suppressing dust. However, even during the wet season, localized pollution from traffic and domestic sources persists. Sensitive groups – 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. August and September are typically the months with the poorest air quality, while February and March offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities. Monitoring wind direction is also crucial, as pollutants can be transported from surrounding agricultural areas.