ETE ARRUDAS Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sabará, Minas Gerais

ETE ARRUDAS is a large-scale wastewater treatment plant located in Sabará, within the Belo Horizonte metropolitan region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Serving a population of over 1.1 million, it is one of the key facilities managing municipal wastewater in this densely populated area. The plant is situated in the Rio das Velhas basin, a major tributary of the São Francisco River. As a plant serving more than 100,000 people, ETE ARRUDAS operates under Brazil's national environmental regulations, which require adequate treatment to protect water quality. Brazilian standards, aligned with CONAMA resolutions, mandate secondary treatment or equivalent for such large agglomerations to reduce organic load and pathogens before discharge. The plant's treatment process is designed to meet these regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with local discharge permits. The treated effluent from ETE ARRUDAS is discharged into the Rio das Velhas, which flows into the São Francisco River, one of Brazil's most important watercourses. The São Francisco River supports diverse aquatic ecosystems and provides water for agriculture, industry, and drinking water for millions. Proper treatment at ETE ARRUDAS is critical to prevent nutrient pollution and protect downstream biodiversity, including fish species and riparian habitats.

ETE ARRUDAS discharges into the Rio das Velhas, a tributary of the São Francisco River, which ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The São Francisco basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for multiple uses. The plant's location in a densely populated metropolitan area means its effluent quality directly affects downstream water quality and ecosystem health, particularly in terms of nutrient loading and oxygen demand.