“Temporal variability and meteorological influences on key air pollutants in Brasília, Brazil (2000–2018): a focus on dry season and fire periods”

This study investigates the temporal variations of key air quality components—ozone (O₃), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter (PM₂.₅)—in Brasília, Brazil, focusing on the critical dry season and forest fire periods. Utilizing data from 2000 to 2018, we applied nonparametric trend tests (Mann-Kendall and Pettitt) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to examine correlations between pollutant levels and meteorological conditions. Our findings reveal that while there are no significant long-term trends, CO concentrations exhibited an upward tendency during dry seasons, while O₃ and SO₂ positively correlated with wind speed and negatively with humidity and precipitation. These results highlight the transient nature of meteorological systems affecting pollutant levels. The study underscores the necessity of implementing integrated air quality management policies and expanding monitoring networks to enhance public health protections in Brasília. Overall, the innovative methodology presents a robust framework for analyzing the interplay between air quality and meteorological factors, serving as a vital tool for future research and policy development.