ETE MARACAJU I Wastewater Treatment Plant, Maracaju, Mato Grosso do Sul

ETE MARACAJU I is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Maracaju, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The plant serves a population of 3,448 people, placing it in the small agglomeration category. It is situated in the Centro-Oeste region, an area characterized by agricultural activity and seasonal rainfall patterns. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required under Brazilian regulations (CONAMA resolutions) for most inland wastewater discharges. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. For small agglomerations in Brazil, secondary treatment is generally sufficient to meet effluent quality standards for discharge into freshwater bodies. The treated effluent from ETE MARACAJU I is discharged into a local watercourse that eventually drains into the Paraná River basin, one of the major river systems in South America. The Paraná River flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina before emptying into the Río de la Plata estuary. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality and supports the ecological health of the Paraná basin, which is vital for biodiversity, agriculture, and water supply.

The plant discharges into a tributary of the Paraná River basin, which flows through the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes before reaching the Río de la Plata. The downstream environment supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish species. The region's seasonal rainfall can affect dilution capacity, making consistent treatment important for maintaining water quality in the basin.