Landfill site selection using multi-criteria evaluation in the GIS interface: a case study from the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abstract

Selection of landfill sites for solid waste disposal is one of the biggest problems in urban areas because of impacts on public health. Based on the nature of the study area, appropriate landfill sites should be selected using multi-criteria evaluation techniques. There are three main landfill sites in the Gaza Strip, one in the Rafah Governorate, one in the Middle Governorate, and one in the Gaza Governorate. The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas in the world having a population density of 4660 persons per square kilometer and, hence, faces enormous difficulties with respect to waste disposal. At present, the available waste disposal sites are insufficient. This study focuses on the selection of new suitable landfill sites in the Gaza Strip using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) with the help of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. To achieve this aim, different thematic layers such as land use, soil type, depth to groundwater, distance from roads, rainfall, and elevation are considered. The results show that only 5.5 % of the total area of the Gaza Strip is highly suitable for landfill sites. The high suitable zone for landfill sites is predominantly located in the southeast of the Khan-Younis and Rafah Governorates. These suitable areas consist of cultivated area or natural resources, with sandy loess soil over loess, clay loam, or loessal sandy soil. The depth to ground water varies from 70 to 100 m from soil surface, the rainfall varies from 200 to 350 mm/year, and the altitudes are between 60 and 80 m above mean sea level. Moreover, these suitable sites are also located within 500 m from the road network. This information can be used by concerned authorities and stakeholders for establishing new solid waste disposal sites in the Gaza Strip.