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Benjamín Aceval, nestled within the Presidente Hayes department of Paraguay, occupies a geographically significant position within the Gran Chaco region. Located at approximately -24.9974° latitude and -57.5524° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by gently undulating plains, typical of the Chaco’s low-lying landscape. The surrounding environment is predominantly a mosaic of dry forests, grasslands, and extensive agricultural lands, primarily dedicated to cattle ranching and soybean cultivation. This proximity to intensive agricultural practices is a crucial factor influencing local air quality. The city sits relatively far from major rivers, though seasonal streams and drainage channels crisscross the area, contributing to localized humidity. Elevation is low, averaging around 120 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate temperature inversions, trapping pollutants close to the ground. Benjamín Aceval’s urban character is that of a small, developing town, with a population of roughly 16,248. The urban–rural gradient is gradual, with agricultural activities seamlessly blending into the town’s periphery. The regional position, situated within a vast agricultural belt, means that dust from tilling and harvesting, along with emissions from agricultural machinery and livestock, significantly impact the local atmospheric conditions. The prevailing winds, often gentle and variable, can either disperse pollutants or concentrate them depending on their direction and strength, further complicating air quality management. The lack of significant topographic barriers contributes to a relatively uniform distribution of pollutants across the town.

Benjamín Aceval’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by the region’s subtropical climate. The wet season, typically spanning from November to March, brings increased humidity and occasional rainfall, which can temporarily cleanse the atmosphere by washing away particulate matter. However, the preceding dry season (April to October) presents a more challenging scenario. During these months, reduced rainfall and higher temperatures lead to increased dust generation from agricultural fields, particularly during planting and harvesting periods. The low elevation and flat terrain contribute to frequent temperature inversions, especially during the cooler nights of May to September, trapping pollutants near the surface. These inversions, coupled with calmer wind conditions, can result in periods of stagnant air and elevated concentrations of particulate matter. The months of July and August often see the most persistent issues. The agricultural activities, including the burning of crop residues (though increasingly regulated), contribute significantly to the pollution load. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor exertion during peak pollution episodes. The transition months of October and November offer a gradual improvement in air quality as rainfall increases. While the wet season provides some respite, the increased humidity can also promote the formation of ground-level ozone under certain conditions, though this is generally less of a concern than particulate matter. Maintaining awareness of local weather patterns and agricultural cycles is key to managing potential health risks.