Análise dos resíduos sólidos no interior de voçorocas na bacia hidrográfica Colônia Antônio Aleixo, Manaus -AM

Abstract

The problem of gullies has been widely debated in academia and by technical bodies, however, a highly relevant factor – solid waste – does not always receive due attention in studies. Based on this premise, the research focused on the Colônia Antônio Aleixo river basin, known for housing the largest number of gullies in Manaus. Three study areas were selected, located in the Gilberto Mestrinho neighborhood and the Jorge Teixeira neighborhood, both in the east zone of the city. The main objective was to analyze the gullies in the upper reaches of the basin as areas for the final disposal of solid waste, correlating the morphometry and reworking features of these structures with their use as waste dumping sites. In addition, we sought to characterize the types of waste discarded and evaluate public policies related to the management of these materials. The results indicated that the gullies that accumulate large quantities of solid waste are in advanced stages of expansion, demonstrating that inadequate disposal contributes significantly to the progression of these erosion features. The analysis of the waste revealed a diverse composition, directly associated with land use in the surrounding areas, with the following identified: Plastic (36%), Metal (1%), Wood (10%), Ceramic (5%), Glass (1%), Paper/Cardboard (13%), Others (17%), Organic (7%), Rubber (5%) and Construction Waste (5%). The research also shows that the inadequate disposal of solid waste in gully areas is a reflection of the selectivity of the public authorities in providing basic sanitation and urban infrastructure. While certain regions of the city receive investments in efficient waste collection and treatment systems, peripheral neighborhoods such as Jorge Teixeira and Gilberto Mestrinho face precarious public services, which leads residents to dispose of their waste in inappropriate places. This lack of effective policies not only worsens the spread of gullies, but also reinforces socio-spatial inequality, perpetuating a cycle of environmental degradation and marginalization of the most vulnerable populations.