ETE SAPUCAI Wastewater Treatment Plant, Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil

ETE SAPUCAI is a wastewater treatment plant located in Itajubá, a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The plant serves a population of approximately 79,644 people, placing it in the medium-to-large agglomeration category for Brazilian wastewater infrastructure. It is situated in the Região Sudeste, an area characterized by mountainous terrain and a subtropical climate. Brazil's wastewater treatment standards are governed by federal regulations, including CONAMA Resolution 430/2011, which sets discharge limits for effluents. For plants of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required to meet organic matter and nutrient removal standards. It operates under the national regulatory framework that mandates appropriate treatment levels to protect water quality. The plant discharges into the Sapucaí River, a tributary of the Grande River, which flows into the Paraná River basin. This river system is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and human consumption downstream. The plant's operation is crucial for maintaining the health of the Sapucaí River and the broader Paraná watershed.

ETE SAPUCAI discharges into the Sapucaí River, which flows into the Grande River, a major tributary of the Paraná River basin. The Paraná River ultimately drains into the Río de la Plata estuary in Argentina. The watershed supports diverse aquatic ecosystems, including fish species important for local fisheries. The region's subtropical climate and mountainous terrain influence river flow and pollutant transport, making effective treatment essential to prevent eutrophication and protect downstream water quality.