Using geographical information systems (GIS) to examine sanitary implications of rubbish dump locations at human activity centres

Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health

关键词: Human Activity Centre;    Geographical Information Systems;    Global Positioning Systems;    Rubbish Dump;    Health Risks;    Health Related Illnesses;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This study sought to investigate health risks that refuse dump locations have on people. The global positioning systems (GPS) were used to take location coordinates of 28 rubbish dump centers and human activity centers (clinics, restaurants, markets etc) spread across a university campus in Ghana. The ArcGIS software was used to plot the coordinates and draw a buffer of 50 meters around the rubbish dump locations (RDL) to show the closeness between the dump sites and the human activity centers (HAC), and the sanitary implications of the closeness. More than 90% of the HACs fell within the 50 meters buffer zone of the rubbish dump sites. The findings indicated that some sensitive HACs like food joints, laundries etc. were less than 15 meters from rubbish dump sites. The findings confirmed that the location of rubbish dump sites pose serious threat to the health of the human community in the university. The findings of this study can be used to make evidence- based decisions about possible relocation of rubbish dump containers in the university. This study is also an initiative to set the tone for more detailed research work on the health implications of rubbish disposal management on Ghanaians.

【 授权许可】

Unknown