Environmental and Health Impacts of Solid Waste Dump Burning on Hun City in Light of Prevailing Wind Directions

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the environmental and health impact of burning solid waste dumps in the city of Hun, within the framework of geographical security and environmental risk management, with a focus on the role of prevailing wind directions in transporting airborne pollutants toward residential areas. Burning solid waste is one of the most prominent sources of air pollution in Libyan cities, due to the toxic gases and fine particles it releases, which negatively affect air quality and public health. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical methodology, involving the identification of the spatial locations of waste dumps, analysis of local climatic characteristics—particularly wind directions—and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to prepare maps illustrating pollutant dispersion paths and affected areas within the urban zone. Additionally, some health indicators were analyzed, especially respiratory diseases recorded in the city's health facilities, to demonstrate the relationship between air pollution and health risks.

The findings indicate that the spatial alignment between dump site locations and prevailing wind directions directly contributes to increased air pollution levels toward residential areas, threatening the urban environment and exacerbating health risks, particularly among vulnerable groups. The results also revealed weaknesses in solid waste management procedures and a lack of sustainable environmental solutions. The study recommends the necessity of stopping the random burning of waste, adopting effective solid waste management strategies, and redesigning dump site locations to enhance geographical security and mitigate environmental risks.