Analysing and mapping spatial and temporal dynamics of urban traffic noise pollution: a case study in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey

Abstract

This study aimed at quantifying noise pollution from urban traffic in the city of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. A total of 114 measurements for the equivalent noise level (L (Aeq)) were made at 38 urban locations classified as "residential areas", "residential and commercial areas" and "industrial areas" according to the national regulations, during morning, mid-day and evening hours. Our findings tabulated and mapped revealed that mean noise level in "residential and commercial areas" was highest relative to the other land-use types. Minimum and maximum values of noise pollution were recorded during the mid-day and evening hours, regardless of the land-use types. Noise limit values were exceeded at two locations only out of 38 based on the national regulation criteria and at over half of the locations based on the international criteria.