Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Noise Pollution from Vehicular Traffic in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between vehicular traffic and noise pollution in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the spatial and temporal levels of noise pollution generated from urban traffic in Uyo metropolis. Through the use of noise dosimeter, data on the levels of noise pollution from vehicular traffic was obtained at eight (8) major transport routes, with high traffic
density and the values compared to the ambient quality limit of WHO standards. The noise level readings was taken in the mornings, afternoons and evenings of Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday respectively. Data on health implication of noise pollution was obtained through the use of structured questionnaires administered to 200 randomly sampled households along major streets selected for the study.
The results show that 7 out of the 8 streets sampled for the study had all the weekday noise readings and most weekends exceeding the International Financial Agency and Environmental Protection Agency noise thresholds of 55decibels for residential and 70 decibels for industrial and commercial areas. The study recommends the promulgation
and implementation of a noise bill and empowerment of regulatory agency as major ways of solving the menace of noise pollution from vehicular traffic.