Typology, Composition and Characterization of Urban Solid Waste in the Industrial Area of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Aim: This study is to make a typology and characterize this urban solid waste in the industrial area of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).

Methodology: Systematic sampling of thirteen landfills identified by on-site observation carried out taking into account the density and heterogeneity of the waste. The waste typology is made taking into account the categories, origins, composition and hazardous nature of the waste. The characterization is carried out through the evaluation of the physico-chemical parameters and the contents of heavy metals contained in the waste.

Results: The results reveal several categories of waste, namely fine waste (26.58%), plastics (20.72%), glasses (13.86%) and textiles (11.38%) which account for 72.54% of waste. The other categories (putrescible, paper/cardboard, unclassified fuels, metals, unclassified incombustible and hazardous waste) account for 27.46%. The density of the waste is 6.34 kg/m². Household and industrial waste are present at 71.47% and 23.92% respectively on average. The D13 landfill contains 100% industrial waste. Agricultural waste (2.21%) and medical waste (0.43%) remain low compared to other types of waste. Organic waste predominates in the majority of landfills with an overall average of 60.93%. However, glassware (13.38%) and metal scrap (1.36%) are less present. Composable waste is 56.21%, semi-inert (18.73%) and inert (37.66). Non-hazardous waste predominates in landfills with an average of 71.63%, although potentially hazardous waste reaches high levels (50.70%). The measured parameters indicate waste with a low acid pH (6.50) and an organic matter of up to 68.84%, indicating a high degree of heterogeneity. In addition, some dumps have high concentrations of heavy metals, such as cadmium (24.60 mg/Kg), chromium (123.98 mg/Kg), copper (451.58 mg/Kg), mercury (68.93 mg/Kg), lead (158.57 mg/Kg) and zinc (62939.41 mg/Kg).

Conclusion: results should serve as a basis for local authorities to take decisions to raise awareness and prevent health and environmental risks arising from the landfill.