Effect of Seasonal Variation and Meteorological Parameters on the Environmental Noise Pollution in the Selected Areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Environmental noise is one of the most unpredictable pollutants that adversely affect humans' physical and mental health. In this study, noise levels were recorded from six different locations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. The purpose was to evaluate the noise levels and corresponding noise intensities with the variation of seasonal and meteorological factors. The noise levels were recorded with a calibrated digital sound level meter, and corresponding sound intensity levels were calculated. Temperature and humidity values were also recorded. Data was recorded for four different time slots, and 84 readings were recorded from each location over seven months. The average noise level recorded from selected locations of 6th road, Pirwadahi, Raja-bazar, Faizabad Rawalpindi, I-9/3 sector Islamabad and Karachi Company were 71.0, 85.5, 83.7, 79.9, 75.7, and 69.5 dB, respectively. These all exceeded the prescribed limits of the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). A trend of increasing noise levels during summer was observed with increasing humidity levels. Significant variation of noise levels was observed diurnally and seasoned wise between winter and summer months. To control and reduce noise pollution from the selected locations, the authorities should take proper countermeasures.

Indoor Noise Exposure and Related Health Risks in a Tertiary Institution within Edo State, Nigeria

“…The variations found in the level of noise in the classrooms, offices and laboratories could be attributed to the differences in the prevailing environmental factors in the different microenvironments. Khan et al (2021) opined that the emission of noise from different sources varies with microclimatic conditions due to changes in ground absorptivity. Hence high noise levels in classrooms, offices and laboratories may pose demonstrable impacts on students and lecturers.…”

Assessment and Predictions of Air Traffic Noise at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, Libya

“…One of the goals of this paper is to determine the spatial distribution of 24-hour noise emissions (L den ) generated by air traffic at Mitiga Airport (Tripoli, Libya) using GIS methodology, in order to identify noise pollution levels in relation to the location of Mitiga Military Hospital and Halim Al Saadia Elementary School located near this airport. Due to the fact that noise was measured at three measuring points, during the day, evening and night, 24-hour noise emissions (L den ) had to be calculated using "the following formula [27,28]: (1) where: -L d is the A-weighted long-term average sound level determined over all the day periods of the year, -L e is the A-weighted long-term average sound level determined over all the evening periods of a year, and -L n is the A-weighted long-term average sound level determined over all the night periods of a year" [27, page 252]. Mihajlov and Prascevic [27] used noise indicators L d , L e and L n to present daily, evening and night noise indicators (L day , L evening and L night ).…”

“…Despite being a significant form of pollution, noise pollution continues to be overlooked in numerous modern cities across the globe [1]. However, according to Fallah-Shorshani et al [2] in recent years the issue of noise caused by traffic is becoming increasingly concerning.…”