The Status of Noise Pollution in the Major Traffic Intersections of Khulna Metropolitan City in Bangladesh and its Possible Effect on Noise-Exposed People

Abstract

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.

Water Pollution and Environmental Injustices in Bangladesh

“…Atmospheric pollution is not only limited to physical particulate matter but also includes the transmission of sound and noise in the city (Brisman et al 2021;García Ruiz and South 2018). Numerous megaprojects across Bangladesh involve transportation and construction works, which increases noise pollution (Akhand et al 2012;Sultana et al 2020). Dhaka city is particularly exposed (Chowdhury et al 2010), but almost every town and city in Bangladesh suffers severe sound pollution (Dey 2002) as a result of traffic congestion (e.g., the frequent use of sirens and horns), construction sites, music and public announcement sound systems, places of prayer and public meetings (Keegan 2018;Mansoor 2020).…”

A Comparative Study on Noise Pollution Levels In Dhanmondi Area, Dhaka: A Geospatial Analysis

“…They also found that noise levels of the study areas were also higher compared to the standard noise levels. The status of noise pollution at the major intersections in the Khulna metropolitan city was assessed by Sultana et al (2020). It was reported that noise levels in diverse areas were higher than in commercial areas.…”

Assessment of Potential Health Risk Due to Traffic-Induced Sound Pollution: A Study in Khulna City, Bangladesh

“…There are some research works on sound pollution, especially in the main noisy traffic points of the metropolitan area (Oguntunde et al, 2019;Sultana et al, 2020;Uddin et al, 2018). Many factors contribute to higher sound levels.…”

“…Immeasurable people in Bangladesh face several health risks due to sound pollution. Recent studies have shown that noise levels are higher at different points in the city center of Magura (Das et al, 2018), Chittagong (Uddin et al, 2018), Sylhet (Das and Basak, 2020), Khulna (Sultana et al, 2020), Mymensingh (Hasan et al, 2021), and Dhaka (Parvin, 2021). It is becoming an unreasonable intervention to slowly but surely impose human well-being, health (physical and psychological), and quality of life (Islam et al, 2015;Masoudzadeh et al, 2017, Oguntunde et al, 2019Sultana et al, 2020).…”

“…The sound pollution level (noise level) is beyond the DOE standard here. It increases the potentiality of sound pollution and which harms the environment and can be a worrying health risk (Sultana et al, 2020).…”