Assessment of Noise Pollution at Bahria University Islamabad Campus

Abstract

Our environment has been degraded and contaminated through the years by the introduction of toxic substances to the air, water and soil. With increase in urbanization and industrialization, the problem of noise pollution has also arisen. The present study was conducted for assessment of noise level at Bahria University, Islamabad campus The objective of the study was the spatial and temporal analysis of outdoor noise pollution at dispersal places for students on campus in comparison with the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). The study was designed for outdoor, daytime noise assessment on the campus. Five study target areas were selected were selected for noise level assessment namely Gymnasium, Quaid, Iqbal and Sir Syed block and mosque front. A digital sound level meter was used to measure the noise level. The study was designed to measure the noise level for three hours from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with an interval of 30 minutes. Each location was studied for five days a weck. The result from the study showed that at four among five locations, the noise levels exceeded the standard given by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PAK-EPA), 65 dBs. The average noise level of the campus was found to be 70.53 dbs. Average noise level of 73 71, 79.96, 60, 65.94 and 72.78 were recorded at gymnasium, Iqbal, Quaid, Sir Syed block and mosque front respectively. The highest average noise of 79.96 dBs was recorded for Iqbal block and lowest average noise level of 60 dBs was recorded at front of Quaid block. The noise level in the campus exceeded the standard level, as the campus is congested. The green areas in the campus may help to decrease the noise level.