Characterization of vehicular noise pollution and established health standards in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the characterization of vehicular noise pollution and established health standards in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. There were four types of data collected for this study: vehicular noise data were collected across the junctions and roundabouts using the Noise Level Meter (NLM); vehicular traffic data were generated by observation and counting vehicles that passed each junction and roundabout; vehicular traffic map was developed using the Global Positioning System (GPS) device analyzed in the Geographic Information System (GIS) environment and vehicular noise levels were matched with national and international standards respectively. The result indicated that Port Harcourt metropolis has exceeded both the national and international vehicular traffic noise standard of 70dB which has triggered physiological and psychological health challenges to residential areas and the general road users as well as the public. This study recommended that there should be improved road network across the city, especially the southern and western segments in order to ameliorate vehicular noise pollution. Effective road-safety management framework should be developed and implemented. Finally, state and national laws on noise pollution offenders should be implemented in order to reduce vehicular noise pollution and provide a safe as well as livable environment for Port Harcourt city dwellers.