Pollution risk assessment in sub-basins of an open dump using drones and geographic information systems

The sustainable management of municipal solid waste (MSW) presents a pressing global challenge. This study introduces an innovative methodology for analysing open dumps in Tucumán, Argentina, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and DroneDeploy software for data collection, coupled with QGIS for estimating contamination risk at the sub-basin level. By integrating satellite imagery, ground surveys, high-resolution UAV imagery and a multi-criteria decision analysis within geographic information system, we provide a comprehensive overview of dumpsite conditions at one open dump. Commercial drone flights facilitate the rapid and cost-effective creation of digital elevation models and digital terrain models, along with orthomosaic imagery, from which waste footprints are delineated using artificial intelligence to enhance the understanding of geospatial issues. Approaching data layers, such as leachate pools, riverbanks and solar radiation, supports informed decision-making in MSW management through a replicable methodology. Field validation and the inclusion of subsurface and groundwater processes are recommended for future research to improve accuracy and maximize socio-ecological benefits.