Heliyon (Aug 2024)
Multidimensional analysis of road traffic noise and probable public health hazards in Barisal city corporation, Bangladesh
Abstract
Noise pollution is a major challenge in urban contexts all around the world. The study was designed to assess road traffic noise pollution with possible health effects on those living in the study region. The IDW spatial interpolation approach and an ArcGIS-based evaluation were used to map the recorded noise levels in the research region. The noise descriptors including Noise Climate (NC), Traffic Noise Index (TNI), Equivalent Noise Level (Leq), and Noise Pollution Level (NPL) were computed. The required information has been collected through a questionnaire survey and previously published documents. The study reveals that the current noise level is higher than the recommended national threshold at every location. According to the study, the Nathullabad region had the highest level of noise pollution (86.5 dBA), while the Kaunia Abasik area had the lowest level (67.8 dBA). Study findings also show that in the area context, the highest levels of noise pollution are found in commercial areas (82 dBA), followed by industrial areas (80.4 dBA),mixed areas (81.3 dBA), and residential areas (72.7 dBA). The lowest level is found in sensitive areas (72.5 dBA). Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD post-hoc and LSD post-hoc test results, showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the noise pollution levels (NPL) in the morning, noon, and evening shifts. The results showed that 32 % of respondents stated they felt disturbed while working, and 27% of respondents said it was somewhat sensitive for them. As the last step in minimizing noise pollution in the research area, 37 % of respondents reported enforcing the regulations, 31% suggested making hydraulic horns illegally, and 21 % suggested raising public awareness. This study may contribute to academic knowledge and assist decision-makers of government officials in formulating appropriate local strategies to deal with this grave environmental problem.
