Noise Measurement across Different Land‑Use Patterns

Abstract

Introduction: In the current scenario, with noise exposure having serious effects on the well-being of an individual, it becomes necessary to monitor the noise levels in the environment and keep them under the permissible limits. The present research was aimed to measure and compare noise levels in different land-use patterns and also to identify a minimum duration required to obtain a stabilized LAeq values in environmental noise measurement. Methods: Noise measurements were carried out across residential, commercial, sensitive, and mixed land-use patterns during morning and afternoon time frames. The obtained results were represented using isopleth noise maps. Results: It was noted that noise levels exceeded the prescribed limits in all the four land-use categories. The greatest level of noise was noted in commercial areas followed by mixed, sensitive, and residential land-use types. Significant variations in LAeq values were noted only up to 10 min of noise measurement, and measured noise levels were stabilized beyond 10-min time mark in all the land-use categories. Conclusion: The higher noise levels recorded in the city would bring about adverse health effects on city dwellers in the long run, thus calling for strict law enforcement related to monitoring of noise levels and keeping them in check.