Investigation of diurnal road traffic noise in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Terver Sombo
    Department of Industrial Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  • Titus Nyitar
    Department of Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel Vezua Tikyaa
    Department of Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  • Tertsea Igbawua
    Department of Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria

Keywords:

Road traffic noise, diurnal, Makurdi metropolis, noise level, environmental pollution

Abstract

Road traffic noise is the main source of noise in cities and is considered not only an environmental problem but also a threat to public health. This study assessed diurnal road traffic noise levels and their correlation with traffic flow characteristics in Makurdi metropolis, aiming to determine the extent of noise pollution and suggest solutions. Five locations in Makurdi metropolis were selected for this study. Results from the study revealed that the mean equivalent continuous noise level (Leq), noise pollution level (LNP), traffic noise index (TNI), and noise climate (NC) ranged from 68.65 to 70.46 dBA, 62.90 to 67.64 dBA, 16.98 to 31.13 dBA, and -2.18 to -6.33 dBA respectively during dry season, while the mean Leq, LNP, TNI and NC ranged from 65.83 to 70.72 dBA, 56.71 to 67.62 dBA, 3.87 to 29.99 dBA and -3.10 to -9.12 dBA respectively during wet season. The Leq values exceeded the 60 dBA limit stipulated by National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) but were mostly below the 70 dBA limit recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO) except in few locations where the noise levels were slightly above WHO prescribed limit. It is recommended that public awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of road traffic noise be created by relevant agencies.

Dimensions

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Geographical map of Makurdi metropolis.

Published

2025-08-01

How to Cite

Investigation of diurnal road traffic noise in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. (2025). African Scientific Reports, 4(2), 279. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2025.4.2.279

Issue

Volume 4, Issue 2, August 2025

Section

PHYSICS SECTION
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2025 Terver Sombo, Titus Nyitar, Emmanuel Vezua Tikyaa, Tertsea Igbawua

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Investigation of diurnal road traffic noise in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. (2025). African Scientific Reports, 4(2), 279. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2025.4.2.279

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