Peer Review Manuscript Ms_JSRR_107973: Evaluation of Daily vehicular traffic flows and noise levels at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Noise pollution has been identified as a significant environmental problem often experienced in rapidly developing built-up cities in developing countries. This study evaluated vehicular traffic flows and associated traffic noise levels at major junctions (Choba, Rumuokoro, Eliozu, Rumuokuta and Eleme) in Port Harcourt metropolis. Traffic volume was determined using visual traffic count method. Measurements were made for seven days (Monday to Sunday) from 14th to 20th February 2022. Noise level was determined using an Extech digital sound level meter (Model 407730). Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 26. Average daily traffic flows ranged from 149 to 4224. Minimum average daily total traffic volume was obtained at Eliozu junction; while maximum average daily traffic volume was obtained at Eleme junction. Traffic noise at the junctions varied proportionally with traffic flow. Average noise levels measured at the junction varied from 70.5dB(A) to 95.9dB(A). The results showed that L10 mean values were 89.0, 90.2 91.7, 94.7 and 97.2dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L50 mean values were 80.5, 81.2, 83.8, 85.2 and 89.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L90 mean values were 69.5, 70.1, 70.4, 72.0 and 78.2dB(A) for Choba, Eliozu, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively. Noise climate (NC) aggregated mean values were 18.9, 19.0, 20.7, 21.3 and 22.7 for Eliozu, Eleme, Choba, Runuokuta and Runuokoro junctions respectively; Leq aggregated mean values were 86.5, 88.3, 91.4, 93.8 and 95.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; noise pollution index (Lnp) aggregated mean values were 105.4, 109.0, 113.0, 114.3 and 116.6dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively; traffic noise index (TNI) aggregated mean values were 115.7, 122.3, 124.2, 125.6 and 132.8dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively. The study showed proves of high traffic noise pollution at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis, which may adversely affect public health and therefore requires intervention by decision makers. Long-time exposure may have detrimental psychological and physiological effects on the exposed population, particularly, vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and children. Awareness campaign should be carried out among the exposed individuals, particularly, traders who spent long time transacting businesses at the junctions