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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NOISE POLLUTON LEVELS

IN SMALL AND LARGE URBAN AREAS

M. Hadzi-Nikolova1, D. Mirakovski*1, Lj. S. Ceravolo2, E. Ristova2, Z. Despodov1, Z. Panov1

1”Goce Delcev” University Stip, Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences, R. Macedonia; 2”Goce Delcev” University Stip, Faculty of

Mechanical Engineering, R. Macedonia

dejan.mirakovski@ugd.edu.mk 1

1. IntroductionNoise, as a major risk factor affecting the environment, has been an area of

concern and a research subject for a considerable length of time, especially in major urban commercial and residential areas where the level of noise exposure is high and the problem is already visible and obvious. The effects of rapid urbanization and rising standard of living upon smaller communities have created a major problem affecting their central residential, study and commercial areas. This issue has not been given the attention it deserves, as these smaller communities are being treated as unpolluted areas.

2. Results

We want to illustrate the alarming situation and need for raising public and government awareness for this risk factor. Therefore we measured the noise level on more measuring points in the central part of Stip, which is a city in East Macedonia that is typical, and thus representative, of most smaller urban areas in this region. Here we present results from three measurement points.

Fig.1. Location of measurement points 1,2,3

Measurements include 12 hour continuous measuring of noise level in one-third octave band centre frequencies expressed by the noise indicator for day (Ld) in decibels (dB (A)) which represents the average equivalent noise level for a day , defined in ISO 1996-2:1987.

Graphical review of measured values

Measurement point 1-daily noise (Ld) period from 07:00 to 19:00 Measurement point 2-daily noise (Ld) period from 07:00 to 19:00

Measurement point 3-daily noise (Ld) period from 07:00 to 19:00 Measured values of measurement points

 

c) Personal competencies that regard the capacity of adopting an attitude and/or an adequate behaviour in a particular situation.

3. Noise MappingNoise maps can be helpful in the planning and decision making processes for reducing the noise pollution. Based on the measurements of the noise level we are making a noise map of the central part of Stip with using SoundPLAN 7.1, Software for Noise and Air Pollution Modeling. SoundPLAN Software by SoundPLAN International LLC and Braunstein + Berndt GmbH is a software package offering a flexible range of noise and air pollution evaluation modules. The speed and accuracy of SoundPLAN has been developed to the point where evaluation of noise and pollution impacts on whole cities can be carried out using computer power available to even the most modest of users. The output can range from noise prediction tables to colour contour maps and 3D animations.

Fig. 2. Noise map of the central part of Stip

Fig. 3. Noise map of the central part of Munich Fig. 4. Noise map of the central part of London

If we compare the noise map of the central part of Stip with noise map of major urban areas such as noise map of the central part of Munich and London (Fig.3 and 4), we will see that although Stip is a much smaller city by number of inhabitants, the noise level is far above the permissible limits and is very close to the noise level of major urban areas.

Fig. 5. Dimensioning of Noise Protection Wall with SoundPLAN 7.1 Software

3.ConclusionBased on real observations and measures made along twenty critical points in the central part of Stip, we present results which illustrate the growing concern and the subsequent need to address on issue with increase of noise pollution. These findings show that noise levels in this area are considerably higher than expected, and are corresponding to, as well as exceeding the noise levels measured in major urban areas pursuant to National European noise regulations. Our study emphasizes the need of rapid implementation of active protective measures, improved urban planning, traffic control and protective walls that will decrease the level of noise pollution and help to preserve public health in small urban areas. 

Measurement point

IndicatorMeasured

valuesTLV Note

Measurement point 1

Ld [dB] 65,7 50 According to: Regulations for limits of the environmental noise levels (Official Gazette of Republic of Macedonia No147/08)

Measurement point 2

Ld [dB] 64,0 50

Measurement point 3

Ld [dB] 59,2 50

As a protection measure to reduce the noise level, SoundPLAN 7.1 Software offers possibility of dimensioning of Noise Protection Structures with option Wall Design (Fig.5)