Evaluation of Equivalent Level and Distribution of Noise Pollution by Geographic Information System (GIS) in Zone 1- Region 6 of Tehran (2016-17): A Case Report

Since noise pollution as an important environmental problem, affects people’s health, the present study aimed at evaluating noise pollution level and the pattern of its changes in the area. In the present cross-sectional study, the equilibrium sound levels (Leq) were measured in 16 stations, during fall-winter of 2016 and spring-summer of 2017, in the morning and evening peak traffic times at all weekdays using the KIMO-DB100 Sound Level Meter. The data were analyzed using the Geostatistical Analyst tool and based on Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method. The results showed that the highest and lowest Leq were related to working days and Friday, respectively. The equivalent sound level in winter is as a minimum 1 dB higher and in summer as a minimum 1.5 dB lower than the other seasons. The minimum equivalent sound level was 56.1 dB throughout the sampling period and the maximum was 86.75 dB. The extents of equivalent sound in all stations were more than standard limit of residual areas (55 dB). According to the results, noise pollution is spread almost in all areas and hours of Zone 1-Region 6 of Tehran. This issue illustrates the necessity of applying noise pollution control technologies in this region.