Landfills present a significant environmental challenge, with the potential to contaminate surrounding soil and affect vegetation growth if not maintained properly. This study investigated the impact of landfills on vegetation in the vicinity of Naples, Italy. The analysis employed both Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellite imagery. The Landsat-8 images were processed using the Sen2like tool not only to enhance their resolution to 10 meters but also for harmonizing, enabling a comprehensive comparison with Sentinel-2 data. The images used in the study were from four years, i.e., 2019 to 2022, utilizing a range of vegetation health indices, including NDVI, GCI, and NDWI. An algorithm was developed to calculate these indices for all the images captured during the study period.
The study encompassed 17 landfill sites near Naples. These areas are classified based on the consistent presence of the same type of vegetation with similar phenological patterns in their surroundings. To evaluate the influence of landfills on vegetation, the area was divided into five circular buffer zones, with the landfills center as the epicenter each spanning 30 meters, resulting in a total coverage radius of 150 meters. Within the 12 landfills exhibiting consistent vegetation in the surroundings, polygons were drawn within each buffer zone. In contrast, for the remaining 5 landfills, the nearest vegetation within a radius of 150 meters from the landfill was considered, and the phenology across a span of 4 years was compared. These areas were carefully examined and analyzed by incorporating vegetation indices.
After studying the phenologies, it was discovered that vegetation near landfills showed less phenological growth than vegetation farther away. This distinctive pattern is observed in 2 out of the 17 landfills studied, thereby highlighting the impact of landfills on surrounding vegetation. It was observed that in the two affected areas, the vegetation near the landfill exhibited a 20% and 10% reduction in growth compared to the vegetation farther away from the landfill. Continuous monitoring is emphasized as an essential measure, and the use of satellite imagery, as demonstrated in this study, provides a viable approach for effective assessment.
In conclusion, the study establishes a correlation between landfills and their influence on nearby vegetation in the Naples region. Ongoing monitoring of these areas is essential, and satellite imagery offers a valuable tool for monitoring and analyzing the impact of landfills on vegetation. Further research should explore additional factors contributing to the health and sustainability of vegetation within landfill environments.
