scholarly journals Spatio-temporal Analysis of Noise Levels across Hotspot Areas in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Author(s):  
Bright Chika Ajoku ◽  
Odinaka Amadi- Wali

This study examined spatial and temporal variations of noise levels across hot spot areas in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State Nigeria. It employed a quasi-experimental design. The noise level was captured using Mobile Application known as decibel (dB) X in infinix note 3 android smart phone, which was calibrated with a digital noise meter SET 1350, with a measuring level range of 20–120 decibel while the sampling points were captured with the use of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) Garmin 78sc which was calibrated to UTM zone 32N. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was the main tool in manipulating surface prediction modeling Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) in the morning and evening noise levels using Environmental Science Research Institute’s (ESRI) software ArcGIS 10.4 version. In the twelve areas investigated, two sample points were captured in each, making a total of twenty four points. Analyses  was done using ANOVA and t-test for the hypotheses and the finding of the results in mean noise levels in the morning and evening indicate that there were no statistical significant difference in the noise level as P =.89 and P =.124 respectively while the t-test indicates statistical significant difference in the majority of the hotspot areas. Therefore, hypotheses of significant mean noise levels were accepted. The finding of the IDW reveals that noise pollution occurs in the morning than in the evening periods in most areas, as they exceed the allowable noise limit of WHO standard is 85 dB (A). Based on the findings, the study recommended among others: that noise pollution planning controls should not be compromised but operates at higher dimension through planting of trees and monitoring in order to ensure strict compliance.

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-367

Noise pollution higher than the standard values intensifies the patients' disease and also has negative effects on hospital staff. This study aimed to determine the level of noise pollution in the Kermanshah hospitals and also to compare obtained data with national and international standards. Multifunctional sound level meter (Model CEL – 450), has been applied for determining the sound level in different parts of a hospital in 3 different time of day (morning, visiting hours (evening), and night) for working day and holiday. The highest level was on working days and it was 60.24±5.76 dB. The average noise level on holiday was 58.15±5.44 dB. Generally, the average noise level in all studied hospitals was higher than the standard levels. The results of the analyses showed that when the P=0.003, there’s a significant difference between the average noise levels on different days. According to the results of the studies, it is necessary to plan and take managerial and technical – engineering measures to reduce the noise levels to standard levels.


Author(s):  
Mark Ogoro ◽  
Idika Sandra Ezinne ◽  
Dollah Osademe Chukwudi

Noise pollution is an unwanted sound which degrades the quality of our environment  therefore, making the environment we live and work unpleasant for living. This situation is not different in Port Harcourt metropolis in the wake of increased human activities, which has   resulted to and accelerates noise level. This situation has led to the adoption of possible  measures to check noise levels using vegetal cover supported barriers. Hence, the need to examine environmental noise exposure attenuation using vegetal cover and its supported     barriers. Environmental research design was employed and a total of twelve samples were collected for each barrier types with the aid of the digital noise meter (EXTECH instrument    digital sound meter with RS232) to measure noise level in decibels (dBA). Findings revealed  that areas with bare surfaces across its property corridor witnessed did not decrease noise   levels at destination while surface with vegetation such as lawns within its property  boundary corridor witnessed reduced noise levels of destination. It is therefore, recommended    that vegetal surfaces walls should be encouraged to support erected noise barrier walls across    the urban space in the bid of attenuating urban noise and make urban regions/areas more habitable.


Author(s):  
Aliza Sultana ◽  
Ashok Kumar Paul ◽  
Meher Un Nessa

This study was conducted in the Khulna metropolitan city to determine the status of noise pollution at major traffic intersections and assess the possible effect of noise on regular noise afflicted people. For this research, five busiest roadways and traffic intersections; two mixed zone and three commercial zones were selected purposively and 'ST-8850 Sound Level Meter' was used to record the noise pressure level. Average noise pressure level and some noise parameters (Leq, L10, L50, L90, and Lnp) were measured at different shifts in each location both on working days and holidays. The result evidently specified that noise level in all major traffic circles of Khulna metropolitan city was much higher than the recommended threshold of acceptable noise level set by the Department of Environment (DOE) of Bangladesh. It was observed that the mixed area (Sonadanga, Gollamari) tends to have a higher average noise level than those of the commercial area (Shibbari, Notunrasta, Dakbangla). The noise pollution level (Lnp) in mixed areas varied from 92.77 dB (A) to 104.74 dB(A) on working days and 86.9 dB(A) to 105.5 dB(A) on holidays. On working days, the highest Leq was observed 92.65 ± 4.15 dB(A) in Sonadanga (mixed area), whereas the lowest was 85.13 ± 2.83 dB(A) in Dakbangla (commercial area). However, on holidays the highest level of Leq was found 90.41 ± 2.25 dB(A) in Sonadanga, while the lowest levels were 80.43 ± 3.20 dB(A) in Dakbangla. One-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc test results illustrated that on working days there was a significant difference between the noise pollution levels (NPL) in different shifts of day time (F = 8.412, p < .05). The respondents of the study area addressed that they were the most affected by annoyance (70%), headache (62%), and hearing loss (46%) due to regular exposure to the traffic noise. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance awareness regarding the cause and effect of noise pollution among the noise producers and oppressed people. Subsequently, administrative measures have to take to attenuate noise pollution and indemnify the quality health of the citizens.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 032-040
Author(s):  
Chris Onyeka Ekweozor ◽  
Johnbosco Emeka Umunnakwe ◽  
Leo O Osuji ◽  
Vincent C Weli

This study evaluated noise pollution in Onitsha metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria in 2019. Noise levels were measured at forty sampling stations in the morning, afternoon and night within the study area for dry and wet seasons using modern noise level instruments. A control point was established at ldeani/Nnobi Junction with coordinates N 06o 05’.282’’ E 006o 55’.891’’ which was used as a reference point and for comparison with the sound levels recorded in designated locations. The results showed that the maximum noise level in the study area exceeded the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) limit by 7.8% in the dry season and by 13.11% in the wet season. Noise LAeq exceeded the NESREA LAeq limit by 29.89% in the dry season and by 33.44% in the wet season. The study indicated that the mean noise levels in the dry and wet seasons were within FMEnv limit of 90dB .It also showed that high noise levels were recorded around major junctions and market places within Onitsha, which are harmful to public health. The study further showed that transportation activities and trading activities at the market places are the main sources of high noise levels in the study area. Health impact assessment should be conducted in Onitsha metropolis for residents. State government should enforce compliance laws and regulate the activities of industries in the areas.


Author(s):  
E. L. Augustine–D ’israel ◽  
A. E. Abah ◽  
E. O. Onosakponome

Background: Monitoring of malaria infection and antimalarial drug efficacy is necessary for effective case management, detection of resistance and control of the disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess malaria infection and the efficacy of antimalarials among persons patronizing drugstores for malaria treatment in Port Harcourt and its environs, Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Whole blood was randomly collected from individuals visiting 24 drug stores for malaria treatment in three different locations in Port Harcourt and analysed using both microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of 22.8% was recorded out of 633 participants for (P. falciparum) malaria. Infection was highest in Mile IV (Rumueme) 30.8% followed by Rumuosi, 23.1% and the least was D/Line area, 14.5% out of 221 participants per location respectively. The incidence of malaria in the study area was significantly different (X2 = 16.69; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the intensity of malaria parasite infection in the study areas. Seven types of drugs were purchased to treat perceived malaria. 177 (26.7%) participants purchased coatem, 187 (28.3%) purchased Lonart. The others were Lumartem 133 (20.1%), P.alaxin 83 (12.5%), Amarla by 19 (2.9%) and artesunate by 57 (8.6%). All the antimalarial were purchased by those that tested positive. The most purchased drug was Lonart 11 (34.37%), Lumartem 25 (36.8%) and Malareich 19 (31.3%) in D/Line, Mile IV and Rumuosi cluster areas respectively. There was a significant difference in the antimalarials purchased. Result of Follow up test shows that only 59.6% returned to be tested and they all tested negative. Conclusion: Malaria preponderance was high among studied subjects, ACT was topmost among antimalarials regularly purchased by the individuals. Conformity to the use of ACT could be said to be impressive though not yet 100%. People who are treated for malaria should be encouraged to undergo a test after treatment for effective case management and detection of resistance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Liang Xia ◽  
Jingchun He ◽  
Yuanyuan Sun ◽  
Yi Chen ◽  
Qiong Luo ◽  
...  

The acceptable noise level (ANL) was defined by subtracting the background noise level (BNL) from the most comfortable listening level (MCL) (ANL = MCL − BNL). This study compared the ANL obtained through different methods in 20 Chinese subjects with normal hearing. ANL was tested with Mandarin speech materials using a loudspeaker or earphones, with each subject tested by himself or by the audiologist. The presentation and response modes were as follows: (1) loudspeaker with self-adjusted noise levels using audiometer controls (LS method); (2) loudspeaker with the subject signaling the audiologist to adjust speech and noise levels (LA method); (3) earphones with self-adjusted noise levels using audiometer controls (ES method); and (4) earphones with the subject signaling the audiologist to adjust speech and noise levels (EA method). ANL was calculated from three measurements with each method. There was no significant difference in the ANL obtained through different presentation modes or response modes sound. The correlations between ANL, MCL, and BNL obtained from each two methods were significant. In conclusion, the ANL in normal-hearing Mandarin listeners may not be affected by presentation modes such as a loudspeaker or earphones nor is it affected by self-adjusted or audiologist-adjusted response modes. Earphone audiometry is as reliable as sound field audiometry and provides an easy and convenient way to measure ANL.


Author(s):  
Avwiri, Eseroghene

This paper adopted a descriptive design to investigate the awareness level and the perception of secondary school Physics teachers towards Nanotechnology in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State. The population of the study was 43 physics teachers comprising of 25 male and 18 female which was used from the 12 public secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis in Rivers State. The instrument for the study was a self- made questionnaire titled, Nanotechnology Questionnaire on Awareness and Perception for Teachers (NQAPT) with a reliability of 0.85 obtained using Cronbach Alpha reliability formula. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The research questions were answered using the criterion mean of 2.5 and standard deviation, while the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t- test. The findings revealed that the awareness level of Nanotechnology among teacher was low and their perception towards nanotechnology was positive. There is no significant difference between the awareness level and perception of the concept of Nanotechnology among male and female senior secondary school Physics teachers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more awareness on the concept of Nanotechnology be created among secondary school teachers through symposium and science teaching workshop in order to publicize the benefits of nanotechnology to the society.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-189
Author(s):  
Kuldeep Kuldeep ◽  
Sohil Sisodiya ◽  
Dr. Anil K. Mathur

The most common environmental concern in metropolitan cities worldwide is noise pollution. Kota metropolis (India) is also suffering from the problem of the increased noise level in the urban environment. Kota metropolis has been selected for the assessment of noise pollution. The main reasons behind the increasing level of noise in the city are increased population, rapid urbanization and industrialization, increased transportation facilities, urban development, construction and demolition works etc. The noise levels were recorded for day-time (6 am to 10 pm) as per Indian standard time for 96 days. Sixteen sampling points are made within the city depending upon the category of area/zone such as industrial, residential, silence and commercial. Six days were prescribed for each sampling location for noise level measurement. Noise descriptors such as Lmax, Lmin, L10, L50, L90, NC (noise climate), Lnp (noise pollution level), Leq (equivalent noise level), and NEI (noise exposure index) were computed with the observed data. Noise descriptors are very useful to indicate the physiological and psychological effects of noise pollution associated with noise levels. It makes regulating agency to take necessary actions in high noise areas for noise vulnerable groups such as Childs, old persons etc. Noise levels were recorded with the digital sound level meter " HTC SL-1350". Obtained equivalent noise levels were in between 65 dB(A) to 85 dB(A). The results were then compared with the WHO standards of community noise levels, and Indian noise pollution standards. It is noticed that the noise levels in all monitoring stations were well above the limits of the standards prescribed by the WHO and CPCB. Small variations in noise levels were observed for all sampling locations i.e. noise levels were almost similar at sampling locations. Noise levels were distinct in magnitude for morning and evenings hours. Noise Exposure Index (NEI) was greater than 1 which shows significant high noise levels in all the sampling locations. Kota metropolis desperately needs new strategies to reduces the high noise level in the city. Regulating agencies should take necessary action before things get out of control. Some immediate actions are suggested in the study.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Predrag Ilić ◽  
Dragana Nešković Markić ◽  
Ljiljana Stojanović Bjelić

Noise pollution, as a major environmental problem, is present in Banja Luka. The measured values exceeded the level of noise allowed, which is a great problem. Evaluation of the noise levels was carried out in the streets in the area with health institutions. Objectives of this research were to evaluate the environmental noise pollution in the City of Banja Luka due to traffic noise and to compare the measured noise levels in the city with legislation and to establish the connection between noise and the number of vehicles. Correlation between the noise level and number of vehicles was positive and significant during the study period (r=0.89). It is confirmed that, with the increase of the number of vehicle, the noise level increases, i.e. the decrease in the number of vehicle decreases the noise level.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Predrag Ilić ◽  
Ljiljana Stojanović-Bjelić ◽  
Zoran Janjuš

Environmental noise pollution, a form of air pollution, is a threat to health and well-being. The primary aim of this study was to determine noise pollution in the urban part of the city of Banja Luka in Jovana Dučića Street (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)) by evaluating noise levels in the street. The aim of this research is also to compare the measured noise levels in the street with legislation. The measured values exceeded the level of noise allowed. Results indicated that noise level values in this area near health institution are alarming.


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