Topic
Noise pollution
About: Noise pollution is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4455 publications have been published within this topic receiving 67192 citations.
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TL;DR: In this study, a wireless sensing unit was developed that possesses the same functionality as a handheld sound level meter and was shown to be capable of monitoring noise for extended periods of time.
Abstract: Noise pollution in urban environments is becoming increasingly common and it has potential to negatively impact people’s health and decrease overall productivity. In order to alleviate these effects, it is important to better quantify noise patterns and levels through data collection and analysis. Wireless sensor networks offer a method for achieving this with a higher level of granularity than traditional handheld devices. In this study, a wireless sensing unit (WSU) was developed that possesses the same functionality as a handheld sound level meter. The WSU is comprised of a microcontroller unit that enables on-board computations, a wireless transceiver that uses Zigbee protocol for data transmission, and an external peripheral board that houses the microphone transducer. The WSU utilizes on-board data processing techniques to monitor noise by computing equivalent continuous sound levels, LeqT, which effectively minimizes data transmission and increases the overall longevity of the node. Strategies are also employed to ensure real-time functionality is maintained on the sensing unit, with a focus on preventing bottlenecks between data acquisition, data processing, and wireless transmission. Four units were deployed in two weeks field validation test and were shown to be capable of monitoring noise for extended periods of time.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study has been carried out to determine the level of noise and its sources in the city of Erzurum located in the east of Turkey, where measurements were taken in the morning, at noon and in the evening to determine noise pollution all over the city, particularly motorway transportation noise.
Abstract: Noise pollution and its influence on the environment and life quality of human beings is a hot topic in scientific research. A study has been carried out to determine the level of noise and its sources in the city of Erzurum located in the east of Turkey. Noise measurements were taken in the morning, at noon and in the evening to determine noise pollution all over the city, particularly motorway transportation noise. In order to determine the sensitivity of the city people to noise pollution, standard survey studies were also conducted. According to the results, the noise level in Erzurum city centre exceeded allowed values at 96 of 126 measurement points. From the measured noise values, a map of noise pollution was created for Erzurum. Proposed solutions are set out.
40 citations
18 Jun 2007
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the role of marine piling where a pile is driven into the sea-bed using a hydraulic hammer and the piling sequence is often begun with a gradually increasing energy level, this procedure being termed a "soft start".
Abstract: Underwater radiated noise is often an unintended byproduct of offshore activities, and the increasing levels of man-made sounds in the ocean (whether deliberately generated or not) have led to concern over marine noise pollution and its effect on marine life. A significant source of impulsive underwater noise is marine piling where a pile is driven into the sea-bed using a hydraulic hammer. Such a technique is typically used to position piles in relatively shallow water for construction of offshore windfarms, bridge supports, and offshore structures associated with the oil and gas industry. To mitigate the effects of the noise generated, the piling sequence is often begun with a gradually increasing energy level, this procedure being termed a "soft start".
40 citations
TL;DR: The occupational noise regulation appears to be having a strong positive impact on hearing conservation by reducing exposures and increasing the use of hearing protection devices and medical surveillance, but the increase in shift duration and resulting reduction in recovery time may mitigate the gains somewhat.
Abstract: This study examines the patterns and trends in noise exposure documented in data collected by Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors at U.S. coal mines from 1987 through 2004. During this period, MSHA issued a new regulation on occupational noise exposure that changed the regulatory requirements and enforcement policies. The data were examined to identify potential impacts from these changes. The overall annual median noise dose declined 67% for surface coal mining and 24% for underground coal mining, and the reduction in each group accelerated after promulgation of the new noise rule. However, not all mining occupations experienced a decrease. The exposure reduction was accompanied by an increase of shift length as represented by dosimeter sample duration. For coal miners exposed above the permissible exposure level, use of hearing protection devices increased from 61% to 89% during this period. Participation of miners exposed at or above the action level in hearing conservation programs rapidl...
40 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that there is a Lombard effect change-point at a background noise level (Ln) of 43.3 dB(A), which is anticipated by noise disturbance, and is followed by a high magnitude of vocal discomfort.
Abstract: Speakers increase their vocal effort when their communication is disturbed by noise. This adaptation is termed the Lombard effect. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this effect has a starting point. Hence, the effects of noise at levels between 20 and 65 dB(A) on vocal effort (quantified by sound pressure level) and on both perceived noise disturbance and perceived vocal discomfort were evaluated. Results indicate that there is a Lombard effect change-point at a background noise level (Ln) of 43.3 dB(A). This change-point is anticipated by noise disturbance, and is followed by a high magnitude of vocal discomfort.
40 citations