Integrated environmental analysis of air quality, meteorological variables, and bird community in a subtropical urban area

Objective of the study: to carry out an integrated environmental analysis of air quality, through the monitoring of atmospheric pollutants, meteorological variables and avifauna composition, in the municipality of Gramado, RS. Methodology/approach: The study was carried out in an urban area in the city of Gramado/RS. The sampling period occurred between November/2021 and October/2022. For the collection of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) a dichotomous sampler was used, with 24 collections being carried out. Meteorological data were provided by the INMET station. To survey the avifauna, 12 field trips were carried out, using the walking method. Originality/Relevance: The knowledge produced by this study can contribute as a subsidy for strategies and actions aimed at better quality of life, health and environmental education. Results: The results showed that two samples of PM2.5 and six samples of PM2.5-10 did not comply with the air quality guidelines established by the WHO. Using the linear regression model, it was found that 83.9% of the PM10 variation is explained by the increase in maximum temperature. Over the sampling period, the occurrence of 45 bird species was recorded. The highest species richness occurred in September/2022 (35) and October/2022 (32), where 37.4% of the variation in the number of birds can be explained by precipitation. For the other data there was no relationship. Management contributions: The results can be used to carry out measures to promote environmental health, prevention and control of risk factors related to air quality.