Impactos ambientais decorrentes da disposição final dos resíduos sólidos no lixão de Santa Helena - PB.

Abstract

Fast population growth coupled with the lack of adequate consumption planning has led to an unruly volume of solid waste, and when not properly managed end up causing serious risks to the environment and public health. In this way, this monographic research aimed to identify the main environmental impacts resulting from the final disposition of solid waste in the open-air dump of the city of Santa Helena – PB. For its accomplishment, some techniques and methods were used, as the bibliographical survey, descriptive and exploratory research, cartographic survey field research, in the end the interpretation and analysis of the data. During the accomplishment of this work, the following negative environmental impacts were identified in the study area: aesthetic degradation; dust emission and noise generation; occupational accidents with health care waste not properly packed; generation of odors and gases; proliferation of vectors transmitting diseases; contamination of groundwater and / or surface by leaching; burning in the open air generating soot and irritating gases. From this study, it was verified the precariousness of the final disposal system of solid wastes in the city of Santa Helena – PB. Therefore, the proposals that were made at the end of the work to reduce the problems identified are: reduction and reuse of discarded materials; promote the spreading, coverage and daily compaction of waste in the area; distribution of personal protective equipment; carry out the correct packaging of health waste; treatment of liquids; recycling. Thus, it is indispensable the need to take mitigating actions so that the damages caused to the environment are minimized, and these actions demand the joining of the public power and society, so that the quality of life is improved.