نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه محیط زیست، پژوهشکده علوم محیطی، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی، تهران، ایران
2 گروه شیلات و محیط زیست، دانشکده منابع طبیعی دانشگاه لرستان، خرم آباد، ایران
3 گروه مهندسی محیط زیست، دانشکده منابع طبیعی دانشگاه لرستان، خرم آباد، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Background and Objective: Waste management is a fundamental challenge in urban communities, particularly in developing cities. Khorramabad, like many other cities in developing regions, faces the issue of improper waste disposal, leading to significant negative impacts on both the environment and public health. The aim of this research was to assess the environmental impacts of various waste disposal methods and identify the most appropriate option for waste management in Khorramabad.
Materials and Methods: In this study, four waste disposal methods were evaluated: sanitary landfilling, unhygienic landfilling, recycling, and composting. The evaluation was conducted using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM), which allows for a structured and comprehensive analysis of the environmental, economic, and social impacts of each method. This tool facilitates the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of each waste disposal method, providing valuable insights for decision-makers in choosing the most suitable waste management strategy based on local conditions.
Results and Discussion: The results indicated that composting, with a score of -182 in the RIAM matrix, emerged as the most sustainable and efficient waste management solution. Composting offers significant environmental and economic benefits, particularly in cities with a high proportion of biodegradable waste. This method not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also transforms organic waste into valuable products for agriculture or green spaces, thus contributing to local economic development. Additionally, composting reduces the environmental burden associated with waste disposal, such as greenhouse gas emissions and contamination of soil, water, and air, which are commonly associated with unhygienic landfilling. When compared to other waste management methods, particularly unhygienic landfilling, composting demonstrated a clear advantage. Unhygienic landfilling, which received the lowest score of -620, was found to have detrimental environmental and economic impacts. This method contributes to pollution in the form of greenhouse gases, hazardous pollutants, and leachate, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. Moreover, unhygienic landfilling is economically inefficient due to the high costs associated with land acquisition, long-term waste management, and environmental monitoring. In contrast, composting offers a more cost-effective solution by reducing landfill reliance and creating new opportunities in the green economy. The study also highlighted the value of the RIAM matrix as an effective analytical tool for assessing the environmental and economic impacts of different waste management strategies. This matrix provides a comprehensive framework for decision-makers to systematically compare the trade-offs between various waste management methods. It proved particularly useful in providing a rapid and systematic evaluation of the environmental and economic implications of each method, aiding in the selection of the most appropriate strategy for the specific needs of Khorramabad.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this research suggest that composting is the most viable and sustainable waste management option for Khorramabad. By reducing landfill waste, minimizing environmental pollution, and creating economic opportunities, composting presents a highly effective solution for managing biodegradable waste. Although the implementation of composting requires significant initial investment, its long-term benefits, including reduced environmental impacts and enhanced economic growth, justify the investment. This study provides valuable insights for urban managers to make informed and optimal decisions regarding sustainable waste management strategies for the future of Khorramabad.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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