Noise Level Evaluation at Major Markets in Calabar, Nigeria

B. J. Ekah *

Department of Physics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

J. U. Akwagiobe

Department of Physics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

C. N. Uda

Department of Physics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

U. J. Ekah

Department of Physics, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, Nigeria.

C. V. Akpan

Department of Physics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

E. C. Christopher

Department of Physics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevailing noise levels at major markets in Calabar, Nigeria. Data was collected by measuring noise levels in three different markets using RS232 digital sound level meter with measuring range of 32- 80 dB for low range, 50 – 100 dB for medium range and 80-130dB for high range and the analysis was done using OriginPro software. The results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization regulatory standard and it showed that the average daily noise level value produced at Watt and Marian markets were 73.0 dB and 71.5 dB individually, which were beyond the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for commercial areas while the daily average noise level produced at Goldie market was moderate and within the safe limit.

Keywords: Traffic noise, noise pollution, noise level in Nigeria, noise level in Calabar markets, effects of noise


How to Cite

Ekah, B. J., J. U. Akwagiobe, C. N. Uda, U. J. Ekah, C. V. Akpan, and E. C. Christopher. 2023. “Noise Level Evaluation at Major Markets in Calabar, Nigeria”. Physical Science International Journal 27 (6):49-56. https://doi.org/10.9734/psij/2023/v27i6812.