Noise Pollution Assessment, Spatial Noise Mapping and Associated Health Impacts in Dinajpur City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Noise pollution is one of the more prevalent types of pollution caused mainly by urbanization. It is characterized as noise propagating throughout a living being in a way that is to its physical and mental health. Along with the growth of the city, trade, business, shopping, education, and other activities have been accelerating. The main purpose of the study was to address the dangerous point of noise pollution in Dinajpur municipality and identify the causes of noise pollution. For this study, data sets on the amount of noise pollution at 35 different places throughout Dinajpur city have been analyzed. Three shifts of data collection were conducted: morning (8 am to 10 am), afternoon (12 pm to 2 pm) and evening (4.00 pm-6.00 pm). Using the ArcGIS 10.8 program, descriptive statistics tools and analysis of variance were carried out. The highest average noise level (105.7 dB) was found at Central Bus Terminal at the time of evening which is a mixed zone. The lowest average noise level (64 dB) was found at Chotogurgola and Balubari at the time of morning and evening respectively which is residential zone. The noise levels throughout the city vastly exceed both the WHO and DoE recommendations. The main causes of noise pollution are the expanding urban area, unregulated auto rice mills establishment, the heavy use of construction equipment, automobile engines, uncontrolled horns, and outrageous auto rickshaws etc. It is vital to take action to lower noise levels because prolonged exposure to noise has numerous negative effects. The development of comprehensive land use plans for this city would benefit from taking noise pollution into consideration.