ETE MONET Wastewater Treatment Plant, Agulhas Negras, Rio de Janeiro

ETE MONET is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Agulhas Negras, a district of Resende in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,346 residents, providing secondary treatment to domestic wastewater. It is situated in the Southeast region of Brazil, an area characterized by mountainous terrain and a tropical climate. The plant operates under Brazil's national environmental regulations, which require secondary treatment for urban wastewater. As a small-scale facility, it contributes to local sanitation infrastructure. The treated effluent is discharged into nearby water bodies, ultimately reaching the Paraíba do Sul River, a major watercourse in southeastern Brazil. The receiving water body supports diverse aquatic life and is used for water supply, irrigation, and recreation downstream. The plant plays a role in protecting water quality in the Paraíba do Sul basin, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Campos dos Goytacazes. Its operation helps reduce organic pollution and nutrient loading in the watershed.

The plant discharges into local streams that feed into the Paraíba do Sul River, a vital water source for millions in Rio de Janeiro state. The river flows through agricultural and urban areas before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Downstream ecosystems include floodplains and coastal lagoons that support fish and migratory birds. Maintaining secondary treatment helps control eutrophication and protects biodiversity in the basin.