MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DEVELOPMENT REGIONS IN THE STATE OF PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

The growing generation of municipal solid waste is one of the main environmental challenges of the 21st century, especially in developing countries such as Brazil. In the state of Pernambuco, characterised by marked socioeconomic and environmental inequalities between its Development Regions (RDs), solid waste management becomes even more complex. This study aims to assess the environmental vulnerability associated with solid waste disposal through the application of multivariate statistical techniques in different regions of Pernambuco. To this end, socioeconomic, demographic, infrastructure and environmental management indicators were used, organised into data matrices and analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis methods. The results allow the identification of regional patterns, highlighting critical areas in terms of inadequate waste management and the resulting environmental risk, as well as regions with better sustainability indices in management. The comparative analysis between the RDs provides input for targeted public policies, guiding investments, selective collection programmes, environmental education and environmentally appropriate final disposal. It is concluded that the application of multivariate tools is an effective instrument for understanding the complexity of solid waste management in Pernambuco, enabling greater integration between regional planning, reduction of inequalities and promotion of sustainable development.