Exploratory Environmental Science Research
Volume 1 – Issue 2 – 2020
Original Research Article
Noise Pollution Monitoring and Health Impacts From Nigerian Busiest International Airport
Godwin Chigaekwu Ezeh1*, Oluwasesan Hezekiah Joshua2, Olufemi Oyediran Laoye3
1Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, (NIGERIA)
2Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, (NIGERIA)
3Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, (NIGERIA)
PAGE NO: 183-189
ABSTRACT – DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.47204/EESR.1.2.2020.183-189
The problem of urban traffic noise pollution is universal and in the past few decades it has become a major concern for both public and policy-makers. Muritala Mohammed airport is a typical example of this problem as it is the busiest in West Africa and located in the heart of Lagos metropolis with its operational routes passing over many densely populated suburbs. Noise due to Lagos airport was monitored simultaneously at 12 locations within the airport and 2 sites in the neighborhood of the airport for a period of five months. Measurements were performed for a period of 10 minutes at each location, repeated 3 to 5 times during peak and off-peak h to account for fluctuations at each location. This was done using the integrated CR-811 B type 1 model sound level meter placed at 1.7 m above the ground. In addition, means of central tendencies, regression analysis and noise mapping were employed to deduce further inter-relationships in the sampled locations. A structured open-ended questionnaire was used to obtain information about the perception of residents living around the airport. Findings indicated that the average diurnal and nocturnal airport noise values ranged from 52.30 to 81.30 dBA and 42.10 to 65.70 dBA respectively and therefore, violated the standard outdoor limits in most locations especially at the runway and apron sites. Based on the perception of the residents living around the airport regarding impacts of noise due to airport operations on their health; insomnia (68 %), hearing loss (21 %), headache (36 %) and disturbance on communication networks (17 %) were the major health impacts on the receptors. Therefore, windows for provision of noise abatement options in Lagos airport should be prioritized.