ETE Curralinho Wastewater Treatment Plant, Corinto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

ETE Curralinho is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Corinto, within the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The facility serves a population of around 14,742 people, placing it in the medium agglomeration category for Brazilian wastewater infrastructure. Its location in the southeastern region of the country places it within a tropical climate zone with distinct wet and dry seasons. Brazil's wastewater treatment framework is governed by federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy and CONAMA resolutions, which set discharge standards and treatment requirements. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically expected to reduce organic load and pathogens before discharge. The plant's operational details are aligned with these national standards, ensuring compliance with environmental protection goals. The treated effluent from ETE Curralinho is discharged into local watercourses that drain into the São Francisco River basin, one of Brazil's most important river systems. The São Francisco River flows northward through the semi-arid sertão region before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. This watershed supports diverse aquatic life and provides water for agriculture, industry, and human consumption, making proper wastewater treatment critical for downstream ecosystem health.

ETE Curralinho discharges into tributaries of the São Francisco River basin, which ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The São Francisco River is a major waterway supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems, including fish species such as the endangered São Francisco River dolphin. The region's seasonal rainfall patterns influence river flow, and effective treatment helps maintain water quality for downstream communities and habitats.