ETE 31 DE MARCO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

ETE 31 DE MARCO is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in the Parque Dois Irmãos neighborhood of Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará state in northeastern Brazil. The plant serves a small population of 881 residents, reflecting its role in a localized catchment area within the broader Fortaleza metropolitan region. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under Brazilian regulations (CONAMA resolutions) for most inland and coastal discharges. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. As a small-scale facility, it operates within the framework of Brazil's national sanitation policies and state-level environmental licensing. The treated effluent is discharged into the local drainage network, which ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean via the Cocó River or other coastal water bodies. Fortaleza's coastal zone is ecologically sensitive, supporting mangroves and estuarine habitats. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 10 km) means its discharge can influence nearshore water quality and marine ecosystems.

The plant discharges into the drainage system of Fortaleza, which flows into the Cocó River estuary and then the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal waters off Ceará support diverse marine life, including coral reefs and fish populations. The region's semi-arid climate means freshwater resources are limited, making the protection of coastal water quality critical for both ecological health and local livelihoods such as fishing and tourism.