Algoz e Tunes Wastewater Treatment Plant, Algoz, Portugal

The Algoz e Tunes wastewater treatment plant is located in Algoz, a parish in the municipality of Silves, Faro District, Portugal. The plant serves a population of approximately 2,800 residents, providing secondary treatment for municipal wastewater. It is situated near the southern coast of Portugal, within 10 km of the Atlantic Ocean. As a secondary treatment facility, the plant meets the minimum requirements under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The directive mandates secondary treatment for populations between 2,000 and 10,000 in inland areas, though coastal discharges may require additional considerations. The plant's designed capacity is 2,800 m³/day, with a current discharge volume of 466.85 m³/day. The treated effluent is discharged into the local watershed, which ultimately drains to the Atlantic Ocean. The region's coastal environment supports diverse marine life and is part of the Algarve's ecologically sensitive shoreline. Proper treatment helps protect water quality in nearby coastal areas and estuaries, which are important for tourism and local ecosystems.

The plant discharges into the Atlantic Ocean via local watercourses in the Algarve region. The coastal waters support diverse marine ecosystems, including seagrass beds and fish nursery habitats. The area is also important for migratory birds and has several ecologically sensitive zones along the shoreline. Effective wastewater treatment is crucial to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect water quality in this coastal environment.