Levels And Spectra Of Aircraft Noise And People\'s Reactions In Some Nigerian Cities

Abstract

A study of sound levels and spectral distribution as well as people\'s reactions to aircraft noise in three Nigerian international airports have been conducted. The study comprised physical measurements and social survey. Results show that maximum octave band pressure levels (BPLs) for Margaret Ekpo, Port Harcourt and Murtala Mohammed International Airports were 88 dB(A), 94 dB(A) and 99 dB(A), respectively with corresponding the deafening levels recorded as 102.5dB(A), 122.5 dB (A) and 123.5 dB(A). Maximum sound level (L) wasas high as 116 dB(A) in each case. The Day-night level (L), weighted equivalent continuous perceived noise level (WECPNL), noise and number index (NNI), noise exposure forecast (NEF), A-weighted sound level (L), and noise pollution level (L) were also obtained based on acoustical data generated at the airports under study, and were found to exceed the recommended doses of 55, 60, 20, 24, 45 and 60dB (A), respectively. From these results it is clear that octave band pressure levels exceed the recommended 85 dB(A). Octave band pressure levels obtained tend to be Gaussian and the spectra were flat. Percentage responses correlated well with NNI with power law relationships between it and the latter in all the cases considered. Results clearly show that people resident near Nigerian airports are exposed to psychological and physiological damage as a result of excessive aircraft noise with serious activity interference.

Keywords: Noise levels, spectra, aircraft noise, damage risk and activity interference.

Nigerian Journal of Physics Vol. 19 (2) 2007: pp. 223-227