DefinePK

Research Objective

To quantify and compare noise pollution levels in different urban zones (silence, commercial, and residential) of Peshawar, Pakistan, using various noise descriptors and to assess compliance with national standards.

Methodology

A 24-hour noise measurement was conducted using an Extech's Datalogging Sound Level Meter calibrated according to IEC 651 and ANSI 1.4 standards. Measurements were taken every minute for 24 hours at 59 selected points across commercial (n=23), residential (n=30), and silence zones (n=6), placed at 1.5 meters above ground and 2-3 meters from building facades. Noise descriptors including Leq-24h, L1, L10, L50, L90, L99, Lmax, Lmin, LNP, and NC were computed. Comparisons were made with Pakistan National Environmental Quality Standards (Pak-NEQS 2010) and US HUD criteria. Noise maps were generated using ArcGIS 10.4.1 with IDW interpolation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 23.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Select Study Area: Peshawar"] --> B["Conduct 24-h Noise Measurements"];
    B --> C["Identify Measurement Points"];
    C --> D["Select Noise Descriptors"];
    D --> E["Calibrate Sound Level Meter"];
    E --> F["Record Noise Samples"];
    F --> G["Compute Noise Indices"];
    G --> H["Compare with Standards"Pak-NEQS, US HUD""];
    H --> I["Generate Noise Maps"];
    I --> J["Perform Statistical Analysis - SPSS"];
    J --> K["Analyze Results and Discuss Findings"];
    K --> L["Draw Conclusions and Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights critical noise pollution levels in Peshawar's urban zones, exceeding national standards. The findings emphasize the dominant role of road traffic and urban development in contributing to this issue. The research underscores the inadequacy of relying solely on Leq for noise assessment, advocating for the inclusion of other noise descriptors like LNP and NC to capture the full spectrum of noise impacts, including fluctuations and their potential health consequences. The study also points to the need for better urban planning and stricter enforcement of noise regulations.

Key Findings

- During daytime, 100% of silence zones, 91% of commercial areas, and 90% of residential areas exceeded permissible noise limits.
- During nighttime, 83% of silence zones, 87% of commercial areas, and 90% of residential areas were above acceptable limits.
- Commercial areas exhibited the highest noise levels, followed by residential and silence zones.
- Strong correlations were observed between Leq and other noise descriptors (L10, L50, L90, L1, Lmax, L99, Lmin).
- Land use characteristics significantly impacted noise levels during the day.
- Noise descriptor LNP values were frequently above the permissible limit (88 dB(A)) in commercial and residential areas, indicating potential psychophysiological impacts.
- Noise maps revealed that Leq alone is insufficient to identify all noise hotspots, as LNP and NC maps shifted to different areas.

Conclusion

Noise pollution in Peshawar's urban areas is a significant environmental and public health concern, with levels consistently exceeding national and international standards. The research demonstrates the importance of using a comprehensive suite of noise descriptors and noise mapping techniques to effectively monitor and manage urban noise. Urgent implementation of detailed noise legislation and strict enforcement are recommended to protect the exposed population from the adverse health effects of high noise levels and fluctuations.

Fact Check

- Claim: During the daytime, 100% of silence zones, 91% of commercial areas, and 90% of residential areas exceeded the permissible noise limits. Confirmation: The text states these percentages in the abstract and results section.
- Claim: Pak-NEQS 2010 limits for commercial areas are 65 dB(A) for daytime and 55 dB(A) for nighttime. Confirmation: The text explicitly states these limits in the methodology section.
- Claim: The study area, Peshawar, lies between 33° 44' and 34° 15' north latitude and 71° 22' and 71° 42' east longitude. Confirmation: This geographical information is provided in the "Study Area" section.

Mind Map