Noise pollution is an extensive concern for urban areas around the world. Gazipur is one of the significant hubs of the garment industry in Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to address the highest sources of noise pollution in this City and identify the public perceptions of noise pollution. Noise levels have been measured from 38 locations of the City from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm including industrial, mixed, commercial, residential, and sensitive zones on both working and non-working days. ArcGIS based assessment using IDW spatial interpolation technique was used for the mapping of the measured noise levels across the study area. The highest average noise level (100.9 dB) was observed at Joydebpur Junction in the period of the evening (4.00 pm to 6.00 pm) and the lowest average noise level (47.5 dB) was observed in front of the Banghabandhu Satellite Ground Station in the period of the afternoon (12.00 pm to 2.00 pm). Heavy industrialization, vehicles horn, construction sites, traffic noise, loudspeakers, expired engines, loud talking, and outdoor parties are the extensive reasons for the increase in noise pollution in Gazipur City. Study showed that the noise level in every location was higher than the standard levels. Survey data indicated that city dwellers endure noise pollution headaches, irritable moods, sleeplessness, bad temper, and stress. This study strongly suggests that proper implementation of the existing laws helps to mitigate and reduce the noise pollution situation in the study area.
Noise is defined as an imperceptible environmental threat that cannot be seen, tasted, felt, removed, or filtered as garbage or water. Noise pollution is de-fined as any undesired, unpleasant, or displeasing sound that causes distress to all living beings and stresses the environment (Mesene et al., 2022). Gazi-pur is the most densely populated city in Bangla-desh. Noise pollution is regarded as one of the most serious issues confronting urban areas, with several negative effects on the urban environment and the potential for significant societal costs (Chuhan and Pande, 2010; Martin et al., 2006). Here noise is generated from different sources like public gather-ings, vehicles horn, traffic and loudspeakers. Noise pollution is becoming an additional hazard to the citizens of Gazipur City Corporation, in addition to the increasing levels of air and water pollution. Noise pollution can occur as a result of poor urban plan-ning, since adjacent industrial and residential build-ings can produce noise pollution in the residential neighborhood.
Noise is a pleasantly and momentarily undesired sound that causes aggravation, interferes with dia-loge, and disrupts sleep and the teaching learning process (Gour, 2013). The Department of Environ-ment (DoE) of Bangladesh recommended a verge of the admissible noise level for different decibel (dB) units, which is thoroughly known as Noise pollution (Control) Rules, 2006. The admissible verge limits for Sensitive areas, residential areas, mixed areas, commercial areas and industrial areas are 45 dB, 50 dB, 60 dB, 70 dB, and 75 dB (DoE, 2006).
In urban environments, private cars, car horns, car alarms, and public transit systems may be the offen-ders. The primary source of noise is the growing number of transportation systems and automobile exhaust systems. Hydraulic horns of buses, trucks, minibuses, construction work, factories etc. are the major source of noise pollution in Gazipur city. Adverse health effects of noise pollution are hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, interference with spoken communication, cardiovascular disturbances, disturbances in mental health, impaired task perfor-mance, negative social behavior and annoyance reac-tions (Haglar and Goines, 2007). The purpose of the study was to identify the highest noise polluted area and to know the awareness of public perceptions about noise pollution.
Location of study area and sampling locations
Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) is a local govern-ment body located in Gazipur district in central Bangladesh. Among the city corporations of Bangla-desh, GCC is the youngest in terms of establishment and the largest in terms of size. It is located at 23° 59′ 20″ N and 90° 22′ 30″ E. About 75% of the countrys garment industry is located in this region (GCC). The field survey started from 27-11-2021 and continued up to 02-12-2021. Noise levels have been measured from 38 locations in the main town of Gazipur. Some of these were sensitive, commercial, residential, in-dustrial and mixed zones. On both working and non-working days, data have been collected in three shifts, Morning (8.00 am-10.00 am). Afternoon (12.00 pm-2.00 pm) and Evening (4.00 pm-6.00 pm).
Measuring Instruments
Noise measurements were determined by using digital sound level meter, model: SL-4010. This meter is a complex and sophisticated instrument. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) device (Model: Garmen eTrex 10) was used to draw the latitude and longitude of the position of the sound generating points while taking sound level readings. In this study, we take advantage of the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method of spatial analysis tool. ArcGIS version 10.8 is a geographic information system (GIS) software package maintained by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). By analyzing the noise level of the point location, IDW can evaluate noise levels in the surrounding area. The IDW determines cell values using linear-weighted combin-ation set of sample points.
Map 1: Location map of the study area (Gazipur City).
In Gazipur City, noise levels have been measured at 38 diverse locations including 6 industrial zones, 8 mixed zones, 7 commercial zones, 8 residential zones and 9 sensitive zones. Data has been collected in three shifts from morning to evening. In which there was one non-working day and six working days. Table 1 provides the information about noise level (dB) at different locations in Gazipur City. The low-est average noise level (48.1 dB) was observed at infront of Banghabandhu Satellite Ground Station in the period of morning. The highest average noise level (100.9 dB) was found at Joydebpur Junction in the period of evening.
Table 1: Average noise levels (dB) at different locations in Gazipur City.
[Note: DoE = Department of Environment (Bangladesh) (DoE, 2006), W.H.O = World Health Organization, E.C= European Commission (Chauhan and Pande, 2010), U. S. (E. P. A) = United States (Environmental Protection Agency) (Chauhan and Pande, 2010)].
Map 2 illustrates that the highest average noise level (86.8 dB) was found at Chandona chowrasta. The second highest average noise level (86.3 dB) was found at Joydebpur Bus Terminal. Noise value has been measured around 80 dB in almost all mixed, commercial and industrial zones. The lowest average noise value (48.1 dB) was observed at Banghabandhu Satellite Ground Station. Map 3 provides the spatial noise mapping on afternoon. The highest average noise value (93.7 dB) was observed at Chandona Chowrasta in the period of afternoon. The lowest average noise level (47.5 dB) was found at Bangha-bandhu Satellite Ground Station and the second lowest noise level (68.2 dB) was found at Chayakunja in the period of afternoon.
Map 2: Spatial Noise Mapping on Morning in Gazipur City.
Map 3: Spatial Noise Mapping on Afternoon in Gazipur City.
Map 4 shows the highest noise level (100.9 dB) was found at Joydebpur Junction which is a mixed zone. In the evening, there is more gathering of people and vehicles than the other time, as a result noise pollution is high. The lowest noise level (57.6 dB) was found at infront of Banghabandhu Satellite Ground Station. The map compares the measured noise value with the US EPA, 2014 provided noise sensitivity chart. From which it can be seen that maximum measured value falls in the last category which is extremely dangerous.
Map 4: Spatial Noise Mapping on Evening in Gazipur City.
Variation of noise level with time
Fig. 1(a) shows the average noise levels variation with time in industrial zones. The highest noise level (92.6 dB) was found at Posmi Sweaters Ltd. in the period of evening. All of the industries are located on the side of the road. In the morning everyone goes out together for work which creates a gathering in front of the industry which creates a lot of traffic jams. As there are more people in front of the indus-try in the morning, a group of people were seen rais-ing money by playing loud mike. The huge number of cargo vans in industrial zone is noticeable in the period of evening which carries industrial goods. These are one of the major causes of noise pollution at Gazipur city. According to DoE, the standard of industrial zone is 75 dB, but all the measured noise level crossed the standard. The lowest noise level (70.1 dB) was found at Sofy processing industries in the period of morning. The second lowest noise levels (77.1 dB) was also observed at Sofy Pro-cessing Industries in the period of afternoon.
Fig. 1: Variation of noise levels with time in different zones (Average of working & non-working days); (a) Industrial zone, (b) Mixed zone, (c) Commercial zone, (d) Residential zone, and (e) Sensitive zone.
Fig. 1(b) illustrates the variation of average noise levels with time in mixed zones. The highest noise level (100.9 dB) was found at Joydebpur Junction in the period of evening. All mixed zones are crowded in the afternoon and evening. Using Gazipur city as a transit, long distance buses pass over the city. As a result, the level of noise pollution in Gazipur has increased. The lowest noise level (74.9 dB) was found at Samantapur in the period of morning. Fig. 1(c) provides the variation of noise levels in com-mercial zones. The highest noise level (96.3 dB) was found at Harinal bazar in the period of evening. Gov-ernment employees and garment workers flock to the commercial zone to buy essential goods on holidays. Some shops are closed in the morning but large crowds can be seen in the afternoon and evening. In the morning most shops are closed in commercial zones (Such as clothing stores, shoe stores, food hotels etc). In the commercial zones, notable vehicles are rickshaws, autos, motorbikes etc. Lots of hawkers sit on either side of the street, hawkers screaming is another cause of noise pollution. Fig. 1(d) shows the variation of noise levels of working and non-working days with time in residential zones. The highest noise level (82.4 dB) at Greatwall city in the period of evening. In the residential zones, notic-eable vehicles are motorbikes, rickshaws etc. The lowest noise level (66.6 dB) was found at Noljani in the period of morning. Fig. 1(e) provides the varia-tion of noise levels with time in sensitive zones. The highest noise level (89.1 dB) was found at Ranibi-lasmoni govt. boys high school in the period of evening. Schools, colleges, hospitals are basically silent zones. There is a CNG bus stand in front of the Joydebpur govt. primary school. There are public transport roads in front of schools and hospitals, which is one of the main causes of noise pollution in Gazipur city. The lowest noise level (47.5 dB) was found at BSGS in the period of afternoon.
Comparison between standard and measured noise level
Fig. 2: Comparison between Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006 and measured noise level in morning, afternoon and evening.
The line chart (Fig. 2) compares noise pollution (Control) Rules, 2006 to observed noise levels. This figure illustrates the noise level of different zones in the period of morning, afternoon and evening which is much higher than the standard value.
Questionnaire survey results
The survey method is a practical study, where noise level measurement, public opinion, observation and calculation methods are mainly used. They have also been asked about laws and regulations to control noise pollution. In this context, more than half of the respondents said that they do not know about the Noise pollution (Control) Rules, 2006. Attempts were made to get a balanced opinion in the survey but it did not happen due to the reality. Among the survey participants, 66.3% were male and only 33.7% were female. Where 13.8% were under the age of 18, 60% were between the ages of 18-40 and 16.2% were the ages of 40-62.
Fig. 3: Opinion about harmfulness of noise pollution.
Fig. 4: Problem rate with excess noise.
Fig. 5: Problem caused by noise pollution.
Fig. 6: Knowledge rate about Noise pollution (Control) Rules, 2006.
Fig. 7: Advice on noise pollution control.
Among the survey participants, 23.8% were students, 22.5% were Housewifes, 10% were Busin-essman, 12.5% were Labor, 15% were Employee and others were 16.2%. For the survey, data were collected from both those who are pedestrian and those who settled permanently in Gazipur City. Acc-ording to the opinion of survey participants, 80% live in Gazipur City and 20% of the respondents were pedestrians. The pie chart (Fig. 3) represents the opinion about harmfulness of noise pollution. It has been reported that many people are not aware of the harmful effects of noise pollution. Noise pollu-tion is so much harmful. Among the survey partici-pants, 92.5% reported experiencing various probl-ems due to noise pollution (Fig. 4). When asked about the problems encountered due to noise pollu-tion, the survey participants mentioned various pro-blems, some of which are similar (Fig. 5). Filling an-noyed is the most problematic but there are also other problems such as irritable mood and headache. Few people also have sleeping disorder, reluctance to work, absence of mind etc. More than half of the respondents (62.5%) are not aware of the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006. They also said that no steps have been taken yet to control noise pollu-tion. Noise pollution can cause anxiety, irritability, high blood pressure, hearing loss, sleep disturbances and 100% of the respondents in the survey voted in favor of controlling noise pollution. Bene-fits can only be achieved by raising awareness about laws that are helpful in controlling noise pollution.
The noise is one of the most common dangerous emissions. With the rise of industrialization and ur-banization, noise pollution in urban areas is incre-asing. This paper highlights the current state of noise pollution at Gazipur city. Residential and silent zones are exposed to loud noise. Ordinary people, patients and especially students are at risk of high levels of noise. Silent zones such as hospitals, schools should be relocated away from the city. Public unawareness about noise pollution is also a factor for increasing noise pollution. But many people are affe-cted by noise pollution impact like headache, feeling annoyed etc. Compared to the previous results, the noise level in Gazipur city is increasing which is alarming for the environment. It has been surprise-ingly noticed that most noise producing and noise affected people are not aware of the harmful effects of noise pollution. This paper will definitely help the government to understand the noise level and take the next step. The following steps should be taken to prevent noise pollution in order to create a livable environment for human beings.
1) Planting of trees creates natural barriers to noise pollution. Trees can be planted on school pre-mises, sidewalks and road dividers. However, care must be taken that the trees do not obstruct the movement of vehicles.
2) Horn limitation policy must be implemented. Playing the horn unnecessarily has now become a habit.
3) Low noise generating devices should be used in industrial work purposes.
4) Traffic jams are another major cause of noise pollution. Traffic control needs to be further improved. This will not only reduce noise poll-ution but also reduce road accidents.
5) Hydraulic horns should be prohibited.
We would like to thanks Touhidur Rahman Tuhin, Md. Rased Hasan Sajib for their helpful attitude, cordial cooperation and ever encouragement for identification of location, data collection and survey. I express my gratitude to Kawser Hossain and the residents of the study area for their heartiest co-operation throughout the period of data collection.
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Academic Editor
Dr. Wiyanti Fransisca Simanullang, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Nipa N, Seddique AA, Hossain M, and Amin A. (2022). GIS based mapping and assessment of noise pollution in Gazipur city, Bangladesh. Aust. J. Eng. Innov. Technol., 4(6), 121-129.https://doi.org/10.34104/ajeit.022.01070115