ETE LAGOA NOVA - Secondary Wastewater Treatment Plant in Lagoa Nova, Rio Grande do Norte

ETE LAGOA NOVA is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Lagoa Nova, a city in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The plant serves a population of approximately 4,912 people, placing it in the small agglomeration category. It operates in the semi-arid Northeast region of Brazil, where water resources are often scarce and treatment is critical for public health and environmental protection. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment level required by Brazilian regulations (CONAMA resolutions) for most urban wastewater. This process typically involves biological degradation of organic matter, reducing biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids. Secondary treatment ensures compliance with national discharge standards for inland waters. The treated effluent is discharged into local water bodies, likely tributaries of the Piranhas-Açu River basin, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The plant's operation helps protect downstream ecosystems and supports water quality in a region where drought and water scarcity are common challenges. Its location inland, more than 50 km from the coast, reduces direct marine impact.

The plant discharges into the Piranhas-Açu River basin, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean via the Piranhas River. This semi-arid region experiences seasonal rainfall, making treated wastewater a valuable resource for maintaining base flows in local streams. The downstream environment supports diverse aquatic life and is important for local agriculture and communities that rely on surface water.