Environmental risks of thermal waste management and prospects for sustainable remediation

The management of municipal solid waste remains one of the most urgent environmental challenges in Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv Region, where soil contamination and groundwater vulnerability intensify ecological risks. The study aimed to assess the environmental risks of thermal waste treatment technologies in the Kharkiv Region and evaluate their compatibility with ecosystem restoration strategies. The research applied a comparative analytical approach, integrating environmental impact assessment methods to analyse incineration, pyrolysis, and plasma gasification technologies. The assessment included estimation of pollutant emissions, energy efficiency, and secondary waste formation under regional conditions. It has been established that incineration, while effective at reducing waste volume, produces hazardous residues containing heavy metals and organic toxins. Pyrolysis demonstrates lower emissions and produces biochar capable of immobilising pollutants in soils, thereby enhancing its potential integration with phytoremediation practices. Plasma gasification provides nearly complete decomposition of complex waste streams, but it demands a high energy input and advanced technical infrastructure. The study identified that, under the post-conflict context of the Kharkiv Region, pyrolysis offers the best balance between environmental safety and resource efficiency. A framework for integrating thermal treatment residues into soil recovery strategies has been developed to support regional sustainability. The results can be applied by environmental engineers, municipal authorities, and policymakers to design sustainable waste-to-energy systems adapted to environmentally sensitive and post-conflict areas