ETE PARQTEC - Advanced Wastewater Treatment in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina

ETE PARQTEC is a wastewater treatment plant located in the Itacorubi neighborhood of Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil. The plant serves a small population of approximately 1,192 people, reflecting its role in a localized catchment area within the greater Florianópolis metropolitan region. The plant employs advanced treatment processes, which go beyond the secondary treatment standard typically required for municipal wastewater. This level of treatment is particularly important given the plant's coastal proximity, as it helps reduce nutrient and pathogen loads before discharge. In Brazil, wastewater treatment is regulated under CONAMA resolutions and state-level environmental agencies, with advanced treatment often mandated for sensitive coastal zones. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean. Florianópolis is situated on an island with numerous bays and estuaries, making water quality protection critical for marine ecosystems and recreational uses. The advanced treatment at ETE PARQTEC helps safeguard downstream waters, including mangroves and coastal habitats that support diverse aquatic life.

The plant discharges into the Itacorubi basin, which flows into the Baía Sul (South Bay) of Florianópolis and then into the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal region features mangroves and estuarine environments that serve as nurseries for fish and crustaceans. The advanced treatment reduces the risk of eutrophication and protects sensitive marine habitats from excessive nutrient loading.