Browsing by Author "George, Daye Mandy Clement"

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    Noise levels, traffic flow in Port Harcourt Metropolis and validation of calixto mathematical noise prediction model
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-04) George, Daye Mandy Clement
    Noise levels in selected locations in Port Harcourt metropolis, was assessed using field measurements and Calixto mathematical model. This was carried out in 10 different locations around the city using an Extech model 407780A integrated sound level meter, and Garmin eTrex HC GPS for geo-referencing. Measurements were carried out at various periods of the day (Morning, afternoon, evening and night). Calixto mathematical model was also applied to predict noise levels after counting the number of vehicular flow in a day at the located sites. Pearsons‟ product moment correlation (r) was employed to compare the Leq measured with the Leq calculated, and single factor anova was used to ascertain any significant difference in noise levels in the monitored locations, while the results were validated using descriptive statistics. Results obtained showed that equivalent noise levels for the studied locations were all higher than the recommended standard by World Health Organization (WHO). Day-time and night-time noise levels were also obtained and used to ascertain the noise quality description of the city. The results also revealed that the day time mean equivalent noise level of the city were all of hazardous quality in the busy road junction/major intersections (95.99dB (A)), passenger loading bus stops (95.82dB (A)), and commercial areas (94.04dB (A)), while that of the residential areas were all of good quality, 56.27dB (A) and 58.80dB (A) for low and high density residential areas, respectively. Similarly, the night time noise levels were all of hazardous quality with values of 98.81dB (A), 92.17dB (A) and 85.36dB (A) for busy road junctions, passenger loading bus stop and commercial areas in that order. The residential areas also had satisfactory quality of 58.29 and 63.90dB (A) respectively for low and high density areas. Day-night time noise levels were very high. The night time which would have served as recovery time for people who were exposed to noise were lacking in these areas. The Pearsons‟ product moment correlation ( r) for all the periods of the day studied, showed that there was a strong relationship or association between them, as the values obtained were close to unity (1). The result of descriptive statistics showed that the mean ± SD, coefficient of variance and standard errors were very close to each other and comparable, indicating the accuracy of the method. Validation was further confirmed by the low values of standard deviation, coefficient of variance and standard error. The result also revealed that there was statistically significant difference in the level of noise exposure at different locations studied (P<0.05). It is recommended that those whose daily activities confine them to areas with unhealthy noise levels should make sure they have at least 10 hours of recovery time in areas where the sound level is less than 65dB (A). The authority should improve the traffic situation in the city so as to prevent traffic build up in areas with high noise levels.