Spatial Assessment and Frequency Analysis of Noise Pollution and its Impact on Human Health: A Case Study of Iqbal Town-Lahore

Abstract

Noise pollution refers to unwanted or disturbing sound that adversely affects the health and quality of life for humans and other organisms. Noise impacts many aspects of the environment, including noise from transportation, industry, and neighbors. Human health is adversely affected by noise associated with transportation. Noise pollution distracts from routine work activity, depresses performance on various tasks, alters social behavior, and annoys. The primary aim of this study was to assess, the effect of noise pollution on human health, classify the different parameters contributing to heightened noise pollution, consequences in the shape of others disorders like; osteoporosis, annoyance, hypertension, hair fall, depression, etc., and how we can control this by some authenticated preventive measures. This was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in the administrative division ofa Lahore Iqbal Town. The data was collected by digital noise meter (range 30db-100db). Almost 250 questionnaires were filled by population of Lahore including children, traffic wardens, old aged peoples and students. Research was completed using Arc Map 10.5 and Python, while the statistical data was analyzed with SPSS software. Using Python programming the three types of noise spectrum analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) identified the major noise sources for an arbitrary series of frequencies. The high frequency noise was filtered by applying a low-pass filter, which allowed for the most impactful frequencies to be analyzed. To validate the filtering process, the original and post-filter spectra were compared. Arc GIS reveal that the noise pollution is maximum in Raiwind and minimum in Bakar Mandi. The results illustrate that noise pollution also represents a significant challenge, with 94.5% of participants recognizing noise pollution as a major problem. Complaints to the administration and police have been accepted to resolve the issue. Public education seems to be the best option according to the respondents; however, the government and NGOs can also aid in the process.

Keywords: Digital Noise Meter, SPSS, Decibel (db), GIS, Noise Pollution, Arc Map, Fast Fourier, Python Transform