Effect of Seasonal Variation and Meteorological Parameters on the Environmental Noise Pollution in the Selected Areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan

Environmental noise is one of the most unpredictable pollutants that adversely affect humans‘ physical and mental health. In this study, noise levels were recorded from six different locations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. The purpose was to evaluate the noise levels and corresponding noise intensities with the variation of seasonal and meteorological factors. The noise levels were recorded with a calibrated digital sound level meter, and corresponding sound intensity levels were calculated. Temperature and humidity values were also recorded. Data was recorded for four different time slots, and 84 readings were recorded from each location over seven months. The average noise level recorded from selected locations of 6th road, Pirwadahi, Raja-bazar, Faizabad Rawalpindi, I-9/3 sector Islamabad and Karachi Company were 71.0, 85.5, 83.7, 79.9, 75.7, and 69.5 dB, respectively. These all exceeded the prescribed limits of the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS). A trend of increasing noise levels during summer was observed with increasing humidity levels. Significant variation of noise levels was observed diurnally and seasoned wise between winter and summer months. To control and reduce noise pollution from the selected locations, the authorities should take proper countermeasures.