Mapping and Identification of Suitable Dumping Sites for Solid Waste Management in Gwagwalada Area Council of the F.C.T. Nigeria

Abstract

Urban solid waste is one of the major threats to global environment in the world today. As global civilization keeps improving, there is increase in commercial, residential and infrastructural development due to the population growth which has a negative impact on the environment if not properly planned, monitored and maintained. One of the negative impacts is the problem of waste disposal which if not properly managed could lead to environmental problems and to avoid the negative repercussion of improper waste disposal, an area has to be put in place for solid waste disposal and management also referred to as dump site. Geographical Information System and Remote sensing Techniques were used in the process of site selection which is accurate, less expensive and less time consuming compared to the conventional method. The aim of this study was to identify a suitable sites for solid waste disposal in Gwagwalada town of the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T), Abuja. An image of the study area was digitized to identify the different features on the ground and also the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) to show differences in surface elevation. The Digital terrain model shows that the lowest elevation point is 176m while the highest point is 226m above the sea level. Three Data analysis types were used and this includes Buffering, Overlay and Query. The analysis was carried to ascertain that the proposed dump sites pose no threat to agriculture, life and property. The result of all analysis carried out shows that the location of the proposed dump sites is 184m in elevation and 1km off the exit route of Gwagwalada along the Gwagwalada-katse road. It is highly recommended that urban settings should have an open space for dump site on remote areas of little or no economic importance far from the residents and should be monitored properly. Concerned Environmental Maintenance Authorities can now used the knowledge of GIS and Remote Sensing Application in monitoring the environment and improve management.