Research article

Road traffic noise pollution modeling in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

*¹Ify L Nwaogazie and ²Ofem EE

¹Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, River

State, Nigeria

²Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: ify.nwaogazie@cohseuniport.com

Accepted 29 November 2014

Abstract

Road traffic noise as one of the main sources of environmental pollution has led to the development of various mathematical models for its prediction. The relationship between volume of traffic and noise levels as reported in literature has been modeled based on regression approach. In this study, high traffic noise generating elements such as cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles were identified. A total of seven sites were isolated as critical points, and a reference location (non-critical point) for measurements of traffic flow and noise levels. The modeling involved the application of linear, quadratic and cubic curve fitting or regression on logarithm of total traffic flow per hour against logarithm of average noise level with goodness of fit of 98.4% for the quadratic option as the best fit. Similarly, the model for noise pollution level, NPL was obtained by regressing the logarithm of % time noise level is exceeded against noise level as a 2nd order polynomial with goodness of fit of 99.34%. Apparently, noise level can be predicted along the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway given either the volume of traffic per hour or % time of exceedence. The noise pollution level was evaluated as 113.46 dB (A); and this is the level of noise the pedestrians and neighborhood would contend with at peak periods. Noise pollution legislation and monitoring is recommended as part of control measures.

Keywords: Traffic noise, Regression modeling, Noise pollution level, hearing impairment, Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, Pollution legislation