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Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) - University of Port Harcourt
ISSN: 1119-8362
Vol. 23, No. 9, 2019, pp. 1699-1707
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Bioline Code: ja19252
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, Vol. 23, No. 9, 2019, pp. 1699-1707
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Spatial Analysis of Environmental Noise and Auditory Health of Abeokuta Residents, Ogun State, Nigeria
OGUNTOKE, O; TIJANI, YA; ADETUNJI, OR & OBAYAGBONA, ON
Abstract
This study assessed environmental noise levels, mapped the spatial pattern at different times of the day
and examined the association with morbidity of auditory ailments in Abeokuta metropolis. The entire metropolis was
divided into 80 cells (areas) of 1000 m2; out of which 33 were randomly selected for noise levels assessment. Portable
noise meter (AR824) was used to measure noise level and Global Positioning System (Garmin GPS-72H) was employed
to take the coordinates of the sample sites for mapping. Risk map of the noise levels were produced using Kriging
interpolation techniques based on the spatial spread of measured noise values across the study area. Data on cases of
hearing impairments were collected from four major hospitals in the city. Data collected from field measurements and
medical records were subjected to descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential (Mean, ANOVA and correlation)
statistics using SPSS (version 20.0). ArcMap 10.1 was employed for spatial analysis and mapping. Results showed mean
noise levels range at morning (42.4±4.14 – 88.2±15.1 dBA), afternoon (45.0±6.72– 86.4±12.5 dBA) and evening
(51.0±6.55–84.4±5.19 dBA) across the study area. The interpolated maps identified Kuto, Okelowo, Isale-Igbein and
Sapon as high noise risk areas. The monitored noise levels varied significantly among the sampled areas at morning,
afternoon and evening (p <0.05). Significant correlation was found between diagnosed cases of auditory ailments and
noise levels measured in the morning (r=0.39 at p<0.05). Common auditory ailments found across the metropolis included
impaired hearing (25.8%), tinnitus (16.4%) and otitis (15.0%) respectively.
Keywords
Abeokuta metropolis; Noise; spatial pattern; auditory impairment
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© Copyright 2019 - Oguntoke et al.
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