Spatial and Statistical Analysis of Environmental Noise Levels in the Main Campus of the University of Lagos

The increasing student population, developmental, and commercial activities within the University of Lagos main campus have led to an increase in daily noise levels. These increasing noise disturbances have disrupted the serenity and tranquillity of the campus environment. In this study, the noise levels are assessed at thirty–four selected monitoring stations within the University of Lagos main campus. The assessment was done to determine the compliance of the University to international standards set by World Health Organisation for tolerable noise levels in different environmental types (or land use classes). Over a period of three days, the minimum, maximum and average noise levels at the stations were measured using the Extech 407730 sound level meter. In the analysis, noise level maps were produced using Inverse Distance Weighted interpolation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between the average observed noise levels and the set standard values. The noise levels measured in the study area ranged from 41.9 - 96.6dBA. It was observed that the minimum noise levels were associated mostly with residential and conservation areas; while the maximum noise levels were mostly associated with commercial areas, vehicle parks and transportation corridors. Generally, the noise levels exceeded the tolerable limits for academic, commercial and residential areas set by World Health Organisation. The results of this study serve as a valuable knowledge base to inform the University management on the need to implement abatement measures aimed at maintaining the noise levels within tolerable limits.