Urban area-related noise pollution: A case study in Duzce

Noise pollution has become a significant factor which affects human health living in urban areas. Currently, noise which originates from humans, vehicles, construction sites and industrial sites is a type of continuous roaring in urban areas. Recent researches have shown that noise pollution may lead to several diseases. In recent years, several studies have been conducted globally to minimize the adverse effects of noise in urban areas. Similarly, many studies which address increasing noise pollution in respect of both theoretical and practical perspectives are also available in Turkey. Noise measurements, noise mapping based on the data attained, noise analysis, interpretation and assessment using these maps and proposing suggestions for the areas exposed to excessive noise have been undertaken in these studies. The main objectives of this study were to draw noise maps monthly and annually based on the time zones of day and night between August 2010 and July 2011 in Duzce, to identify areas which were exposed to noise in excess of that permitted by the regulatory authorities, to propose suggestions to minimize possible adverse effects of noise pollution and to establish possible association of the type of urban area used with population and magnitude of noise. Within these aims, noise measurement was carried out at different 150 avenues and streets in Duzce by a sound and vibration level meter (Svan 957; Svantek; Poland) for day and night assessment over 12 months in accordance with the regulations and day and night noise maps were produced based on monthly, annually and seasonal data. These maps were assessed in comparison with the population and urban land maps. In conclusion, the urban area of Duzce was found to be a noisy place. In addition, it was shown that traffic noise was the leading cause of the environment noise pollution with an increasing trend in the areas harboring different types of urban area and with a gradual decreasing trend in rural areas. The magnitude of noise pollution was generally in excess of threshold values permitted by the regulatory authorities, whereas it remained below threshold values in rural areas. Utilization of urban areas for commercial or industrial purposes, also, increased noise pollution in urban areas, while buildings and green fields, particularly, decreased. In this study, several suggestions were discussed based on the type of area use to minimize noise pollution in the urban areas.