Spatial Analysis of Environmental Noise and Auditory Health of Abeokuta Residents, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed environmental noise levels, mapped the spatial pattern at different times of the day and examined the association with morbidity of auditory ailments in Abeokuta metropolis. The entire metropolis was divided into 80 cells (areas) of 1000 m 2 ; out of which 33 were randomly selected for noise levels assessment. Portable noise meter (AR824) was used to measure noise level and Global Positioning System (Garmin GPS-72H) was employed to take the coordinates of the sample sites for mapping. Risk map of the noise levels were produced using Kriging interpolation techniques based on the spatial spread of measured noise values across the study area. Data on cases of hearing impairments were collected from four major hospitals in the city. Data collected from field measurements and medical records were subjected to descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential (Mean, ANOVA and correlation) statistics using SPSS (version 20.0). ArcMap 10.1 was employed for spatial analysis and mapping. Results showed mean noise levels range at morning (42.4±4.14-88.2±15.1 dBA), afternoon (45.0±6.72-86.4±12.5 dBA) and evening (51.0±6.55-84.4±5.19 dBA) across the study area. The interpolated maps identified Kuto, Okelowo, Isale-Igbein and Sapon as high noise risk areas. The monitored noise levels varied significantly among the sampled areas at morning, afternoon and evening (p <0.05). Significant correlation was found between diagnosed cases of auditory ailments and noise levels measured in the morning (r=0.39 at p<0.05). Common auditory ailments found across the metropolis included impaired hearing (25.8%), tinnitus (16.4%) and otitis (15.0%) respectively.

Noise and Gaseous Pollutants Profiles of Outdoor Air Envelopes in Selected Areas Within Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria

“…Additional activities include; Different sounds from various music players in some of the market stores and hawkers of music CDs, noise emanating from electricity generators, and heavy-duty machinery in the industrial area. The mean noise levels recorded for Kuto, Oke Aregba and Asero estates contrasted slightly from a range of values earlier recorded for these areas by Oguntoke et al (2019a).…”

“…The elevated noise levels at the market locations and the industrial area could be directly attributed to the cumulative effects of various types of anthropogenic activities at these places. Some of these activities occurring at a greater magnitude at these places include; trading activities, heavy vehicular traffic at the market vicinities, and noise emanating from relaxation centers located at the market vicinities (Oguntoke et al 2019a). Additional activities include; Different sounds from various music players in some of the market stores and hawkers of music CDs, noise emanating from electricity generators, and heavy-duty machinery in the industrial area.…”

Health Effects caused by Noise - The Case of Africa: Evidence in Literature from the Past 25 Years

“…In Ogun State of Nigeria, common auditory ailments found across the metropolis included impaired hearing, tinnitus and otitis. Significant correlation was found between diagnosed cases of auditory ailments and noise levels measured which ranged from 75.0 -88.2 dBA [17]. Joubert and Ellis [10] found out that toys used by children between the ages of birth and 3 years in South Africa produced the largest amount of continuous noise outside of the natural frequency range for young children.…”

Assessing the ecological impact of industrial noise pollution on wildlife behavior in Okomu Forest Reserve, Nigeria

“…The ambient noise level was also measured and the noise level of the factories or industries located in the park measured. The impact of the noise was extrapolated to the National Park and the impacts assessed given the minimum noise level a particular animal can accommodate [22,23].…”