Landfill Site Selection Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Remote Sensing Data, and Geographic Information System Tools in Najran City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Many practical issues arise when dealing with solid waste management, and there are also environmental effects to be considered. Selecting landfill sites requires extra care with respect to many factors such as the environment, health hazards for people, and the cost of transportation. Furthermore, cities have their own rules, methods, and practices for managing and selecting the best locations for collecting solid waste. In this research, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was presented and used to evaluate the appropriateness of and suggest the best locations for landfill sites in Najran, KSA. Some remote sensing data and the ArcGIS software were used to prepare nine thematic layers, including drainage density, groundwater depth, land use, soil type, road network, surface elevation, surface slope, distance from residential areas, and distance from protected areas. To evaluate the layer weightings, a questionnaire with pairwise comparisons was distributed among experts and analyzed using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy set technique. The one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) sensitivity test was conducted to test the sensitivity of the evaluated weightings. A landfill suitability index (LSI) map was created using raster calculator tools and divided into five classes: limited suitability (LSI value 1.39–2.49), least suitable (2.50–3.03), relatively suitable (3.04–3.48), suitable (3.49–3.91), and most suitable (3.92–4.66). According to the statistical analysis, 18.0% and 18.2% of the total area were within the most suitable and suitable landfill regions, while 21.2%, 14.9%, and 9.5% accounted for relatively suitable, least suitable, and limited suitability areas, respectively. The employed technique and its findings can provide an appropriate guideline to assist the municipality of Najran city, regional planners, and decision-makers in selecting an optimal landfill site in the future. This study also presented some recommendations to enhance the suitability map of landfill sites in Najran city.