A ‘SOUND ANALYSIS’ OF NOISE POLLUTION

A ‘SOUND ANALYSIS’ OF NOISE POLLUTION
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ARYAN JOSHI / 2017

INDEX OF CONTENTS PART I

1. Definitions

I. Noise

1

II. Noise Pollution

1

2. Measurement of noise level

4

3. Aim

5

4. Objectives

5

5. Scope

5

6. Research methodology

6

7. Sources of noise pollution

8. Effects of noise pollution

7

9. Methods to check noise pollution

7

PART I I – Case Study
2. Interpretation 3. Evaluation and limitations 4. Conclusion 5. Credits and Bibliography

I. Location

10

II. The Elgin is a landmark

11

III. Why Elgin as a case study

12

IV. Noise levels alarmingly high

13

V. Sources of noise around Elgin

14

VI. Details of noise levels at Elgin and nearby

locations

15

VII. Questionnaire survey and Analysis

16

VIII. Recommendations to prevent noise pollution

around Elgin

23

IX. Measures taken by Elgin Residents

25

X. Road Ahead for Elgin Residents

26

27

27

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PART I BACKGROUND RESEARCH

NOISE ___
The most common definition of noise is "unwanted/undesirable sound." A sound may be unwanted because it is:

Loud

Unpleasant or Annoying

Intrusive or Distracting

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NOISE POLLUTION ___
Noise pollution, at the very basic level, is displeasing human, animal or machine-created sound that disrupts/threatens the activity, health, welfare or balance of human or animal life. It is not easy to measure because the definition of noise depends on the context of the sound and the subjective effect it has on those hearing it.
Noise pollution can originate from simple sources such as a drilling machine, road traffic, unpleasant radio ads, even constant human chatter to more complex machinery such as large trucks and aeroplanes.

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NOISE LEVEL COMPARISON ___
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NOISE LEVEL EXPOSURE ___
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MEASUREMENT OF NOISE LEVEL ___ It is measured in Decibel with an instrument called Sound Level Meter. It consists of three internationally accepted weighing networks. Filters A, B and C are used in sound-level meters which mimic iso-loudness curves over frequency under different conditions of sound intensities, i.e. for sounds of low, medium, and high loudness levels, respectively.
A weighing scale- Severely filters the frequency B weighing scale- Moderately filters the frequency C weighing Scale- Hardly filters frequency The A-filter has been adopted globally. Therefore, sound pressure levels frequently quoted in audiology literature simply in dB are A-weighted levels. Brad and Kjaer 2260 Sound Analyser is the most widely used for the analysis of traffic noise emissions in busy streets and cities.
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AIM ___
The project aims to evaluate the impact of noise pollution on the environment and quality of life. …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
OBJECTIVES ___

To identify the sources of noise pollution.
To study temporal patterns of noise pollution at various time points.
To assess the impact of noise on human quality of life.
To identify preventive measures to reduce the impact of noise pollution.
To identify critical noise pollution areas where noise barriers should be installed.

To measure the extent of noise pollution at various locations.
To explore the possible reactions of the people against excessive noise.
To identify and suggest suitable measures for the reduction of noise levels.
To assess and analyse the dimension of traffic generated noise pollution.
To stress the need for advanced urban planning against noise in a residential area.

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SCOPE ___
Although noise pollution is a global issue, this project’s scope is limited to the city of Bangalore. The case study relates to one selected Apartment named “The Elgin” on Langford Road.
Noise level measurements used in the study are official reports published by the KSPCB (Karnataka State Pollution Control Board) at various noise monitoring stations in the city at different times.
The study uses the records of noise level monitoring for the latest available time-period and does not intend to study the trend of noise pollution over the years.
This project is undertaken for academic purposes only.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ___
This project on noise pollution undertakes quantitative and qualitative research.
Quantitative research involves the collection of statistical numbers of noise levels at various time points and at different locations, their sources and impact using structured data gathering techniques.
Qualitative research involves the collection of subjective opinions, purposeful observations and exploration of possible reasons for high noise levels and methods to prevent the same.
Secondary data was collated for background research relating to noise pollution in different cities, their sources and the impact of the same. Measures undertaken by authorities to check noise pollution were also collected through credible internet sources and publications of the government pollution control board.
As part of the research design and approach, a case study is undertaken in particular to analyse in-depth the sources and effects of noise pollution. A residential apartment complex in urban Bangalore has been chosen for this purpose.
Noise levels at the case study location – “The Elgin Apartment” was measured using a noise level meter. Primary data was collected for this case study using two methods. A: personal observation method and B: direct interview method, wherein responses from residents of the apartment were collected using a questionnaire.
Literature collection and Literature Review: Different newspaper articles, research papers, internet journals and related reports about noise pollution in various cities (Bangalore in particular) were collected and it was studied in detail. Such studies were useful to obtain knowledge about the levels and impact of noise pollution.
Questionnaire survey and preparation: Structured questionnaire was prepared for direct interview of 80 respondents and results were summarised using a spreadsheet. A blank Questionnaire is enclosed along with.
Data analysis: The secondary data collected were tabulated and represented in the form of tables and graphs to help conclude. Calculation of averages, range, Percentage change method and Ranking techniques are applied for analysis. The primary questionnaire data being qualitative and subjective has been summarised for analysis.
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EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION ___
Noise pollution has a lot of consequences that do not present themselves right away. It affects the human body as well as the environment negatively. The mind is disturbed for long hours. It even causes several ailments, like hearing impairment. It can also cause headaches, sleeping disorders, cardiovascular issues and mental imbalance depending on the intensity.
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METHODS TO CHECK NOISE POLLUTION ___
There should be minimum use of sound producing instruments. Regulations should be in place for the usage of loudspeakers and devices that are capable of producing sound beyond limits that can be tolerated by humans. For this, strong community laws are essential. Community involvement is also required for the thoughtful planning of the buildings in the locality. Zoning codes can be used to draw the line between residential and commercial spaces. A sure-fire way to reduce any kind of pollution is to increase the vegetation. Traffic noise is not inevitable, Cities can minimize traffic noise by banning honking, maintaining roads, constructing and sound barriers. They can also limit speeds of vehicles, enforce penalties for illegal vehicle modifications. Legislative Measures The Pollution Control Board and the High Court have already taken effective measures to bring sound pollution under control. Adequate measures should be taken to ensure that noise related restrictions are not violated. Stringent anti-pollution laws should be enacted and enforced. Ban of fire crackers should be imposed and electric horns should be replaced by bulb horns. Replacement of old automobiles with new ones. Old automobiles are a major source of noise pollution. They create unappealing and very loud sounds. Their replacement with new ones will go a long way in reducing noise pollution. It will also lessen the emission of soot and toxic substances into the atmosphere. Put sustained pressure on the relevant city or governing authorities to introduce noise regulation policies. Governing and city authorities are highly placed at introducing policies which can help reduce noise pollution. The laws should limit the amount of noise in public and private places to reduce noise pollution. The policies can also be integrated into transportation network construction and activities such as low-noise road surfaces, low-noise tracks, redesigning street spaces, enforcing speed limits and reducing traffic volume.
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