Characterization and evaluation of Rosa Elze wastewater treatment plant for effluent reuse

Abstract Reuse of waters of lower quality is an important resource, mainly for regions with water scarcity, like the Northeast of Brazil and, specifically, the State of Sergipe. However, the treated wastewater effluent for reutilization must have such a quality that it does not compromisse human health nor the environment. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the physical, chemical, bacteriological and parasitological quality of effluent of Rosa Elze Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located at São Cristóvão, in Sergipe state, and evaluate its efficiency. The WWTP is composed of five serial stabilization ponds: two facultative ponds followed by three maturation ponds. The characterization results were satisfactory, since the quality of the wastewater treatment system makes reutilization of its effluent possible for several purposes, presenting absence of parasites and a geometric mean of thermotolerant coliforms of 480 MPN (100mL)-1, thus satisfying the limits specified by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.