OSENTO Wastewater Treatment Plant, Atessa, Italy - Secondary Treatment for 2,000 People

OSENTO is a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Atessa, in the province of Chieti, Italy. It serves a population of approximately 2,000 people, classifying it as a small agglomeration under EU regulations. The plant is situated inland, about 50 km from the Adriatic coast, and treats wastewater from the local community. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the minimum required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for inland discharges. With a designed capacity of 2,000 cubic meters per day and a discharge volume of 395.93 units, the plant operates well below its capacity, indicating efficient handling of current loads. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The treated effluent is discharged into a local watercourse that eventually drains into the Adriatic Sea. This discharge contributes to the health of the downstream aquatic ecosystem, supporting biodiversity in the region. The plant's operation is crucial for protecting the local watershed and maintaining water quality in the Adriatic coastal zone.

The plant discharges into a local watercourse that flows into the Adriatic Sea, a semi-enclosed sea with sensitive marine ecosystems. The area supports diverse aquatic life and is important for migratory species. The inland location reduces direct coastal impact, but the effluent still affects the downstream riverine and marine environments. Proper treatment is essential to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect the ecological balance of the Adriatic.