Assessment of Environmental Effects of Noise Pollution in Auchi, Nigeria

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It is obvious that we are living in a noise-polluted environment. This pollution has been linked to a number of health related ailments such as depression, anger, weak concentration and hearing defects. Growing global population, increase in technological advancement and some human activities are major causes of this noise-related pollution. This study investigates environmental effects of noise pollution on man for possible mitigation strategies. Sound level meter (SLM) was used to obtain the level of noise pollution in decibel (dB). Selected noise-generating centres were used such as mosques, churches, markets, schools and household appliance-loudspeakers. Noise pollution variables (NPV) were mathematically-modelled and analysed using statistical metrics. Sound powers (SP), total power level (SPL) and total sound pressure level (SPL) were computed using empirical relationship. Reference power (RF) and pressure (RFP) values of 10-12 watt and 2.0 * 10-5 N/M2 were computed. 230.65dB and 106.3 dB values of SWL were obtained. These values indicate serious health hazard because it is far above acceptable standard. The output of the resultant mathematical iterations indicates that the impact of noise pollution is a cumulative function of population increase, human activity and technological advancement at 1% and 5% level of significance. Generally, obtained results showed that the impacts noise pollution on man and his entire environment are obviously on the negative side. Hence, possible mitigation measures such as noise pollution regulatory policy enactment and design of noise absorbing structures are strongly recommended.