Selection of Optimal Landfill Sites in the Greater Tripoli Area Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

By: Salem Mahmoud , Akram Al-Kasah , Siham Ben Khalifa , Anas Al-Mashri

Libyan Remote Sensing and Space Science Center – Libyan Authority for Scientific Research

Issue: Vol 24 |First Issue |2025

article language: Arabic

Abstract:

Solid waste disposal methods in the Greater Tripoli Area represent one of the most persistent environmental challenges, particularly with the rapid demographic growth and urban expansion over the past two decades, leading to a significant increase in daily household waste generation. To achieve effective and sustainable management and to mitigate the growing problems associated with waste accumulation and mismanagement, it has become essential to conduct research based on modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which provide powerful spatial analysis tools for informed decision-making regarding solid waste management and environmental protection from soil, air, and water pollution. Remote sensing and GIS technologies play a vital role in proper planning and management by providing decision-makers with accurate spatial data and analyses in minimal time and effort, facilitating sustainable development and sound urban planning. This paper aims to highlight the significance of GIS technologies in identifying optimal locations for sanitary landfills within the study area. Researchers used ArcGIS 10.8 and spatial analysis tools to determine suitable landfill sites, considering environmental, economic, hydrological, and topographical factors such as distance from residential areas, roads, rivers, and groundwater depth. The study was based on seven main criteria: buildings, roads, land slope, land use, surface valleys, soil type, and groundwater depth. The Model Builder and Weighted Overlay tools were applied to produce a Land Suitability Map for optimal landfill site selection in the Greater Tripoli region.

Keywords: Waste, criteria, geographic information systems, landfill.