Noise Pollution Status in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Noise pollution has gotten more significant as cities have grown more densely populated. This study aimed to assess the noise pollution level in the capital cities of Awa-Ibom, Bayelsa Calabar and Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria. Noise level measurement was conducted using Noise Level Meter (NM102). Noise level measurement for all sampling locations were conducted on working days (Monday through Friday) between February 2022 and January 2023. Results showed that noise concentration in Port Harcourt ranged between 31 and 103 db(A), 31 and 103 db(A) in Calabar, 32.1-90.1 in Uyo and 30.1-83 db(A) in Yenagoa. The noise levels in Rivers, Calabar and Uyo exceeded the WHO limit of 90 db(A). This has great consequence on the comfort and health of persons residing close to areas with high noise generation. Measure to reduce noise pollution should be put in place in these cities.