Assessing the Extent of Noise Pollution in Laxmipur District Town, Bangladesh

Noise pollution is a concerning issue in Bangladesh due to its impact on human health. It is increasing in Laxmipur District Town in recent years due to the introduction of a number of different vehicles. Some vehicles, particularly rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, may use outdated mechanical horns, exacerbating the noise, the use of heavy machinery for construction, and the unregulated use of loudspeakers in social, religious, and political events and public announcements. The current study has been carried out to assess the extent of noise pollution in various areas of Laxmipur District Town. 7 different zones, along with 45 locations, were selected in Laxmipur District Town based on land use. A sound level meter (REED SD-4023) was used to monitor noise levels in Laxmipur District Town from January 01, 2021, to April 30, 2021. At each sampling location, several samples were collected. Three times a day, we have measured the noise level in every location. The mean noise pollution level and Leq of Laxmipur District Town were determined to be 68.78 dBA and 92.46 dBA, respectively. The measured mean and Leq values were 69.11 dBA and 89.00 dBA for silent areas, 67.76 dBA and 79.34 dBA for residential areas, 76.75 dBA and 82.32 dBA for mixed areas, 70.90 dBA and 81.07 dBA for commercial areas, 67.57 dBA and 95.70 dBA for industrial areas, 74.28 dBA and 87.29 dBA for road intersections, and 64.49 dBA and 75.40 dBA for village areas, respectively. The hierarchy in different land uses based on mean noise level was Mixed Areas > Road Intersection > Commercial Area > Silent Area > Residential Area > Industrial Area > Village Area. The three highest noise-polluted areas were Rehana Food (105.62 dBA), Titakha Mosjid-2 (98.49 dBA), and Dalal Bazar (96.75 dBA), whereas the three lowest noise-polluted areas were Vumi Office (58.51 dBA), Banchan Nogor (61.38 dBA), and Hi Food (66.19 dBA), based on Leq. However, a study found that every sample location's noise level exceeded the national guideline.