A geração de resíduos sólidos aeroportuários e suas interfaces com o turismo : o caso do aeroporto Hugo Cantergiani, Caxias do Sul-RS

Abstract

The tourism phenomenon is closely linked to transport systems and it is important to note the increasing use of the air mode of tourist transport, particularly in Brazil. The social, environmental and scientific relevance of the issue of solid waste in the context of airports is outlined based on a gap in knowledge. For this reason, it was thought to be helpful the conduct of the present study, which aimed to investigate the issue of solid waste generation at airports. The case study chosen was Hugo Cantergiani Airport, a small one, located in Caxias do Sul – RS – Brazil. The research, which is descriptive-exploratory, used the following methods: non participant direct observation, document analysis and fieldwork. Solid waste characterization was also carried out in order to determine mass and gravimetric composition. Samples were collected in June, August and October 2012, covering eighteen and a half days. The following periods of time had samples taken: throughout 2012: from 17 to 23 July (by noon); 18 to 24 August and 1 to 5 October. Those periods mentioned refer to school vacation, a week without tourist events in Caxias do Sul and, finally, a period in which a major business fair was held in the city. It was possible to notice that the "events receptive tourism" factor was regarded as less decisive than the "emissive and receptive tourism" factor during the school vacation time, either in terms of movement at the airport or in terms of the solid waste generation associated with such movement. The movement of passengers at the airport, throughout eighteen and a half days of sampling, was of 15,543 passengers – 7,985 which boarded and 7,558 which landed, on regular flights. 878.76 kg of solid waste was generated during the data collection time. From this amount, around 70% came from activities and services provided at the airport site itself and around 30% came from the aircrafts. It was found that there is a production of 30g per passenger at aircrafts. At the airport site, the findings show a per capita generation of 40g/person/day. In order to determine the gravimetric composition, 606.83 kg of waste was segregated. The most significant components found within the aircrafts’ waste were: plastic (41.90%), putrescible organic matter (30.26%), mixed (12.28%) and paper and cardboard (10.03%). The most significant components found within the airport site’s waste were: biological contaminant (41.58%), putrescible organic matter (25.88%), paper and cardboard (15.70%) and plastic (9.53%). Based on the results, contributions regarding gaps in scientific and academic research are highlighted as well as suggestions for further research. Moreover, the results could inform the development of a solid waste management plan for the studied airport, in line with the principles of tourism and sustainable development and with the National Policy for Solid Waste.