Influence of Industrial Activity and Urban Growth on Noise and Air Quality: A Case Study of Çorlu

Urbanization and industrialization have brought significant environmental challenges, particularly in the form of air and noise pollution. This study analyzes trends and contributing factors to air and noise pollution in the city of Tekirdağ, Turkey, using data from 2017 to 2022. Key pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃), were examined, along with noise levels. Seasonal variations in pollutant concentrations were observed, with higher NO₂ and PM10 levels during the winter months, likely due to increased heating and reduced air circulation. Notably, NO₂ levels peaked in 2021, despite industrial shrinkage, emphasizing the role of traffic and human activities. A significant drop in air pollution in 2022 suggests that air quality control measures and environmental policies have been effective. O₃ concentrations, driven by sunlight and atmospheric reactions, were higher in spring and summer. Noise levels followed similar patterns, decreasing in 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions but rising again in 2021 and 2022, with traffic and urban density identified as key factors. A positive correlation was found between vehicle numbers, housing density, and noise pollution, especially in industrial areas. The study highlights the need for targeted urban planning, traffic management, and industrial regulations to mitigate air and noise pollution and improve public health in growing cities.