B.S. GOSHU#, M. GOSA
Department of Physics, Dire Dawa University
This study aims to assess the environmental traffic noise pollution levels in Jimma city, especially in market area where min-bus, trucks, tricycles, bus, motorbike, and loudspeakers are the major sources of noise. Ten different sites were selected randomly for the noise level measurements along the left and right edge of the roads. The measurements were taken from March 04–19, 2021 at morning 8:00 – 12:45 AM, and afternoon 2:30 – 6:45 PM after every 5 minutes interval. Results showed that the rate of minimum noise in Jimma city, market area in the morning L10, L50, and L90 were 84.02 ± 3.59 dB, 82.05 ± 3.84 dB, and 81.12 ± 3.08 dB, respectively, whereas in the afternoon L10, L50, and L90 were 87.55 ± 2.07 dB, 82.95 ± 3.70 dB, and 83.73 ± 1.79 dB, respectively. The mean traffic noise index in the morning and afternoon were 94.63 dB and 91.39 dB, respectively. The mean continuous sound equivalent level (LAeq) in the morning and afternoon were 86.42 dB and 80.04 dB, respectively. The noise level obtained in this study was higher than the acceptable levels compared to another study done in the country. Therefore, noise mitigation strategy and other different preventive countermeasures such as increasing public awareness through educational programs and technical controls for the future development of Jimma city are crucial.
Key words: Traffic noise level, noise climate, street traffic noise, noise pollution.
Corresponding author’s e-mail: belaysitotaw@gmail.com