Overview
Zona Sureste wastewater treatment plant serves Centro, Tabasco, Mexico, with a population of 356,882. The plant operates under Mexico's national water regulations, ensuring compliance with discharge standards for inland water bodies.
Zona Sureste is a wastewater treatment plant located in Centro, Tabasco, Mexico, serving a population of approximately 356,882. The plant is situated in the southeastern region of Mexico, an area characterized by tropical climate and significant hydrological resources. As a large agglomeration, the plant plays a crucial role in managing municipal wastewater for the urban population of Centro. Under Mexico's federal water law (Ley de Aguas Nacionales) and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021 standards, large treatment plants like Zona Sureste are required to achieve secondary treatment or higher to protect receiving water bodies. The plant serves a substantial population, indicating significant infrastructure. The treated effluent from Zona Sureste discharges into the Grijalva River basin, which flows through Tabasco and ultimately drains into the Gulf of Mexico. This river system supports diverse aquatic life and is ecologically sensitive, making effective treatment essential to prevent nutrient pollution and protect downstream ecosystems, including coastal wetlands and mangroves.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Grijalva River basin, a major hydrological system in southeastern Mexico that flows into the Gulf of Mexico. This watershed supports diverse aquatic habitats, including floodplain wetlands and coastal lagoons, which are important for migratory birds and fish species. Effective wastewater treatment is critical to prevent eutrophication and protect the ecological integrity of the downstream marine environment.
Frequently asked questions
Zona Sureste is located in Centro, Tabasco, Mexico, in the southeastern region of the country.
The plant serves approximately 356,882 people, classifying it as a large agglomeration under Mexican regulations.
The treated effluent is discharged into the Grijalva River basin, which flows through Tabasco and ultimately reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
The plant operates under Mexico's Ley de Aguas Nacionales and NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021, which set discharge limits for pollutants to protect water quality.
Large plants in Mexico typically employ secondary treatment processes such as activated sludge or lagoons to meet federal standards for organic matter and solids removal.
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