Atmospheric aerosols significantly influence climate systems and hydrological processes, but their impacts on evapotranspiration remain insufficiently understood, particularly in tropical savanna regions. This study investigates the direct and indirect effects of aerosol optical depth (AOD) on reference evapotranspiration ($E{T}_0$) in the Mato Grosso Cerrado, Brazil, a biome characterized by pronounced seasonal climatic variations. Using data collected from the AERONET network at Fazenda Miranda, AOD was analyzed alongside meteorological variables such as air temperature, global radiation, and $E{T}_0$, estimated using the FAO Penman–Monteith method. The results reveal distinct seasonal patterns, with aerosols having a more pronounced influence during the dry season. Positive correlations were observed between AOD and air temperature, while negative correlations were found between AOD and global radiation, especially during the dry season. The relationship between AOD and $E{T}_0$ varied between years and seasons, with significant reductions in $E{T}_0$ linked to high aerosol concentrations during the dry period. These findings demonstrate that aerosols play a critical role in modulating evapotranspiration and radiation balance, particularly in regions affected by biomass burning. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between aerosols, climate variables, and hydrological processes, contributing to a better understanding of aerosols’ impacts on tropical ecosystems.

Atmospheric aerosols significantly influence photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), critical for plant photosynthesis and ecosystem functioning. This study systematically reviewed recent research (2021–2025) on aerosol–PAR interactions. Using targeted keywords, 22 open-access articles from Scopus and Google Scholar were analyzed via VOSviewer for thematic, methodological, and geographic trends. Analysis revealed a strong concentration in Earth and Environmental Sciences, showcasing significant advances in radiative transfer modeling, remote sensing, and machine learning for estimating aerosol impacts on PAR. Studies primarily utilized satellite data and models (e.g., DART, SCOPE) to assess diffuse/direct radiation changes. The literature consistently demonstrates how aerosols modulate PAR, influencing canopy light penetration and photosynthetic efficiency. However, critical gaps persist, including limited field validation in tropical biomes (e.g., Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal) and a lack of studies differentiating aerosol types like black and brown carbon. This synthesis underscores the need for expanded monitoring and integrated modeling efforts to improve understanding of aerosol–PAR interactions, particularly in underrepresented tropical regions.