ETE MARICA Wastewater Treatment Plant, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro

ETE MARICA is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Maricá, within the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The plant serves a small population of approximately 2,304 residents, reflecting its role in a smaller community within the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment level required for most municipal wastewater in Brazil under national regulations. The plant discharges a daily volume of 276.48 m³ of treated effluent. The plant's scale aligns with typical small community systems. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment near the Atlantic coast. The plant's proximity to the coast means its discharge can influence coastal water quality. The region's watershed drains into the Atlantic Ocean, supporting diverse marine and coastal ecosystems. Proper treatment is essential to protect these sensitive environments.

The plant discharges treated wastewater into the coastal watershed of Maricá, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean. The region's coastal ecosystems include mangroves, lagoons, and sandy beaches that support diverse aquatic life and are important for local fisheries and tourism. The proximity to the coast necessitates effective treatment to prevent nutrient loading and protect marine biodiversity.