Assessing potential landfill sites using GIS and remote sensing techniques: A case study in kirkuk, iraq

Abstract

Solid waste management poses a significant challenge in rapidly growing urban centers in developing countries, including Iraq. Landfilling is the most prevalent method for solid waste disposal, and identifying suitable landfill locations that minimize environmental and societal impacts is crucial. The proliferation of random waste disposal sites in Kirkuk city underscores the need for the application of international standards in selecting optimal landfill sites. In this study, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were integrated to determine the most appropriate landfill site in Kirkuk city. A model was developed to identify the most suitable location for a proposed landfill, taking into account various factors. Four potential sites were proposed and compared to the existing location, with the selection based on multiple criteria. Key criteria included proximity to villages, wells, rivers, surface water, hospitals, schools, oil pipelines, airports, and parks; environmental factors such as agricultural land, hydrology, groundwater, and land use/land cover (LULC); engineering aspects including soil, roads, slopes, railways, and valleys; and socio-economic factors like cost and public acceptance. The results indicated that the current landfill site exhibited the least negative impact on environmental, economic, and social aspects. The proposed method demonstrated efficiency in application, reducing the time and cost with remarkable accuracy.