Chiquila Wastewater Treatment Plant, Chiquilá, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The Chiquila wastewater treatment plant is located in Chiquilá, a small town in the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It serves a population of approximately 593 residents, making it a small-scale facility in a coastal region of the Yucatán Peninsula. The plant is situated within 10 kilometers of the Caribbean Sea, highlighting its proximity to sensitive marine environments. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is a standard biological process that removes organic matter and suspended solids. Secondary treatment is the minimum required under Mexican regulations (NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996) for discharges into coastal waters. The designed capacity is 432.00 units, with an actual discharge volume of 56.16 units, indicating the plant operates well below its capacity. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, ultimately reaching the Caribbean Sea via groundwater or surface runoff. The region is ecologically significant, supporting coastal wetlands, mangroves, and marine ecosystems that are vital for biodiversity and tourism. Proper wastewater management is crucial to protect water quality and the health of nearby coral reefs and seagrass beds.

The plant discharges into the coastal waters of the Yucatán Peninsula, which drain into the Caribbean Sea. This area is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and supports diverse marine life including sea turtles, fish, and crustaceans. The proximity to the coast means that even small discharges can affect nearshore water quality and ecosystem health.