Monitoring seismic velocity changes in the Dongtan Coal Mine using ambient noise correlation

This study analyzed ambient seismic noise using the MSNoise package to monitor temporal changes in the underground seismic wave velocity in Mining Area 6 of the Dongtan Coal Mine in China.The data was recorded continuously over 76 days by 7 three-component stations and 10 single-component microseismic stations deployed in Dongtan Coal Mine,with station spacing ranging from 0.1 km to approximately 3 km.Using the causal and non-causal components of the Z-component cross-correlation function,along with moving-window cross-spectrum analysis and cumulative calculations with a 5-day window overlay,stable seismic velocity changes were obtained in the frequency band of 0.1 to 2 Hz.We found a correlation between the timing of average velocity changes and seismic events caused by underground mining processes.In particular,when the relative seismic velocity increased by 0.23%,larger energy minequakes typically occurred.This study shows that ambient noise correlation has great potential for predicting minequakes,guiding pressure-relief production,and providing warnings about the impact of overburden pressure.

Traffic Noise Pollution： Spectra Characteristics and Windows Sound Insulation in Laboratory and Field Measurements

The traffic spectra influence on indoor noise through windows is evaluated with laboratory and field measurements. Different traffic noise spectra were registered and reproduced, simulating the outdoor traffic conditions through different windows. Spectrum adaptation terms for the recorded spectra were different from the ones obtained from the Standards, showing that Normative gives a safe evaluation of the Weighted Sound Insulation Index. In field measurements, the level abatements calculated from the Facade Acoustic Insulation Index corrected with the adaptation terms shows that the ones from the Standard do not give a good approximation, while if the level abatements is calculated using the adaptation terms from the registered spectra, a more reliable approximation is achieved. Furthermore, comparing the level abatements for two windows having both Rw equal to 41 dB, very different values were obtained at different frequencies; therefore to characterize acoustic performances of windows, sound insulation curves are also needed. The correlation between the mean difference between adaptation terms calculated from the standard and the one between abatements obtained with pink noise and the ones obtained with the registered spectra is good, but different for road traffic and trains. In both, the difference diminishes when the difference between the abatements increases.

Assessment of health impacts of noise pollution in the Tarkwa Mining Community of Ghana using noise mapping techniques

Objective Communities in the developing countries such as Ghana have little knowledge of effects of noise pollution on human health,which is demonstrated by their attitude towards this menace.This study assessed the health impacts of noise pollution and its spatial distribution in the Tarkwa Mining Community(TMC)of Ghana.Methods To achieve the study objective,questionnaires were administered;as well as collation of health data from major health centers in the study area.Noise levels were measured and noise map produced using geographic information system(GIS)techniques.Overlay maps of some diseases were done using overlay techniques in GIS.The noise exposure and corresponding noise doses for churches,working sites and social centers were also calculated using the respective formulae.Results The noise levels were found to be high above the prescribed Ghana Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)standards,with traffic noise levels ranging from 65.00 dBA to 98 dBA,while that of churches ranged from 73.10 dBA to 107.00 dBA and that of working sites from 74.4 dBA to 115.2 dBA.The calculated noise exposure and corresponding noise dose for churches ranged from 75.1 dBA to 104.6 dBA(i.e.,10%‒8000%),while that for workers’sites were from 75.8 dBA to 115 dBA(i.e.,12%‒90000%).Statistical regression and correlation analyses were done for diseases such as hypertension,ear problems and sleep disturbances.Conclusion The study has therefore revealed that the noise levels in the study area are very high and corresponding health impacts are prominent.Stakeholders and authorities should devise mitigating measures to combat this rising menace.The results revealed a strong positive correlation between noise and corresponding health impacts.Despite the positive correlation there are other causes and effects to the mentioned diseases.

Noise Pollution Mapping Using GIS in Nairobi, Kenya

Noise is any sound that causes physiological uneasiness to the ear. People in many environments today, especially urban ones, are exposed to such noise without realizing its potential danger to their healthy hearing. This situation is largely contributed to by the little attention that most governments, especially in the developing countries, pay to noise as a pollution issue. This paper describes a study that aimed at measuring the noise levels at selected points in Nairobi’s CBD with a view to generate a noise map over the study area in addition to identifying areas of high noise intensity or noise hot spots. The study found that noise levels, on average, varied from 61 db to 78 db, increasing from the west to the east of the CBD, and emanated mainly from vehicular traffic;several noise hotspots were also identified, and they are located mainly to the east of the CBD. The paper concludes that although the study was not city-wide, the noise levels observed are high enough to warrant further research and action by the environmental authorities.

Measurement of Noise Pollution in Northern Industrial Areas of Windhoek, Namibia

The increase in industrial activities and vehicular movement along the northern industrial area of Windhoek has vastly increased the amount of traffic noise and other noise pollution in the area. Noise pollution has an adverse health effect to human population, when exposed for a long period. Residence in proximate communities along the north industrial area and those working in the various industries located in the area may be affected, when the noise pollution level exceed the permissible standard for human exposure. A sound level meter was used to measure the amount of noise pollution at the streets of the northern industrial area. The measurements were done during the daytime, at a time interval of 2 hours, from 08:00 am - 06:00 pm. The amount of noise pollution obtained from the study ranges from (64 - 72) dB (A), with a maximum of 72 dB (A) in Bonsmara Street, (67.4 - 75.3) dB (A), with a maximum of 75.3 dB (A) in New Castle Street, (60.5 - 81.0) dB (A), with a maximum of 72.3 dB (A) in Braham Street. (62.5 - 72.3) dB (A), with a maximum of 82.3 dB (A) in Hosea Kutako Street, (66.0 - 82.3) dB (A), with a maximum of 76.8 dB (A) in Simmentaler Street and (65.1 - 76.8) dB (A), with a maximum of 76.8 dB (A) in Dortmund Street. The variation of noise level index L10, L50, L90 and Leq, Noise Climate (NC) and Traffic Noise index (TNI) were calculated. The maximum noise pollution values obtained from the study were higher than the WHO recommended limit of 70 dB (A).

Comparison of Mental Health Status of People Exposed to Noise Pollution with People in Non-Polluted Areas of Sari

Noise pollution in psychological terms is defined as an unpleasant, undesirable or unwanted sound and in quantitative terms, it is a sound possessing all different wavelengths and intensities with no certain combination which is unpleasant to ear. The present study was conducted to compare the mental health status of people exposed to noise pollution with people in non-polluted areas of Sari. The sample population in the present descriptive study included 200 people selected by Random sampling method. Then, Sari was divided into four areas in terms of noise pollution, and after implementing GHQ-28 questionnaire (which reliability and validity have been confirmed), general health as well as mental health of samples were compared with each other. Data analysis was conducted based on occupation and residence location using variance analysis tests and t-Test for quantitative data and Square-test for qualitative data. Complaints about physical difficulties in traders’ group working in non-polluted environment are lower than traders’ group working in an environment exposed to noise pollution. These complaints among residents in non-polluted areas are at the lowest level. In overall review, the prevalence and average of mental health disorders amongst traders in areas exposed to noise pollution are higher than traders in non-polluted areas. Average complaints about physical difficulties, anxiety and sleeping problems, problems with social performance, depression and in general average mental and physical disorders are higher in resident and working groups in areas exposed to noise pollution, however, only complaints about physical difficulties are statistically significant.

Assessment of Indoor and Outdoor Noise Pollution at a University Hospital Based on Acoustic Measurements and Noise Mapping

This paper describes an analysis of the sound pressure levels at the exterior façade and inside the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná. Measurements were taken at a total of 45 points, 24 at the exterior facade and 21 points inside the hospital on all the floors of the main building and in the maternity building. These 45 measurements were used to calculate the acoustic map of the hospital, which is located on General Carneiro Street, in the city of Curitiba, state of Paraná, Brazil. A comparison of the measured outdoor sound pressure levels against those established by Curitiba Municipal Law No. 10625 revealed that they all exceeded the daytime limit of 55 dB(A) permitted for areas around hospitals. The indoor sound pressure measurements and the noise levels for acoustic comfort established by the Brazilian technical standard ABNT NBR 10152 were compared, indicating that all the measured points, including those in the neonatal intensive care unit, exceeded the established limit of 35 dB(A) to 45 dB(A).

What Does “Noise Pollution” Mean?

Noise features different characteristics that make it different from every other “classic” pollutant. Noise is invisible;it does not smell;it disappears when the source is turned off and leaves no traces in the environment. In addition, when people perceive something wrong about their hearing capacity, it is often long time after the beginning of noise exposure. This fact contributes to strengthening the misconception that noise is not harmful to human health or, at least, efforts and funds aim preferably at controling and decreasing the emission of other pollutants. Adding to this, most people tend to consider that noise is the price to pay for accessing to the amenities of the Technological Era and it is indivisible and inevitably linked to them. Last but not least, noise pollution could adversely affect ecosystems and ecological services. Then, how is it possible to convince the decision makers that noise pollution is one of the major current environmental problems? The aim of this paper is to discuss step by step the applicability of noise of a “pollution” definition, as a way to ease the understanding that lowering environmental noise levels should be prioritized: because it will lead to a healthier and better society.

Investigation on Noise Pollution Comprehensive Treatment of Distribution Transformer in Living Area

In the current paper,which deals with the noise pollution excited by distribution transformers in the living area,a comprehensive treatment scheme is put forward for the purpose of reducing the sound pressure level emitting into the environment.In accordance with the associated test standard,the sound pressure levels of distribution transformer and surrounding environment are not only tested but analyzed as well.The measurements were carried out with the frequency analysis of the 1/3 octave resolution,with the center frequencies at 125 Hz,250 Hz,400 Hz,and 500 Hz.As illustrated,on the basis of the measurement results,the frequency of noise at 500 Hz of distribution transformer causes the major noise pollution in the surrounding environment.This measurement result is in line with the noise frequency characteristics of distribution transformer.There are two transmission routes of noise:(i)the noise excited by distribution transformer transmits by means of the wall of distribution room,and (ii)part of noise spreads through the ground of distribution room.Accordingly,acoustic shield and vibration isolation device are applied for the reduction of the low frequency noise emitted through the above two paths.Aimed at applying the appropriate acoustic material and vibration mounting,the evaluation of the noise reduction and vibration absorption is carried out in accordance with the sound and vibration insulation theory.Following the noise treatment,the transformer and environment noise are measured again.The corresponding findings shed light on the fact that the sound level satisfied the requirement of limits of the ordinance.The proposed noise treatment scheme can be applied to the existing power distribution facilities for controlling the sound levels that reach a point where it is comparatively more unobjectionable.

Analysis of Road Traffic Noise Pollution around a University in Binzhou

The number of automobiles in the urban area of Binzhou City continues to increase,and traffic noise pollution is increasingly serious. In this study,noise pollution on Huanghe 5 Road near the south gate of Binzhou University was monitored. The results showed that the road noise pollution on Huanghe 5 Road was relatively serious on the whole,especially in the peak periods of traffic flow in the morning and afternoon,because the increase in the number of pedestrians brought inconvenience to traffic,thereby resulting in an increase in car whistle.

Noise Pollution Reduction through a Novel Optimization Procedure in Passive Control Methods

This paper proposes a novel optimization framework in passive control techniques to reduce noise pollution.The geometries of the structures are represented by Catmull-Clark subdivision surfaces,which are able to build gap-free Computer-Aided Design models and meanwhile tackle the extraordinary points that are commonly encountered in geometricmodelling.The acoustic fields are simulated using the isogeometric boundary elementmethod,and a density-based topology optimization is conducted to optimize distribution of sound-absorbing materials adhered to structural surfaces.The approach enables one to perform acoustic optimization from Computer-Aided Design models directly without needingmeshing and volume parameterization,thereby avoiding the geometric errors and time-consuming preprocessing steps in conventional simulation and optimization methods.The effectiveness of the present method is demonstrated by three dimensional numerical examples.

Effects of Noise Pollution on Functions of the Liver and Kidney of Rats

To study the effects of noise pollution on the functions of the liver and kidney of rats, a total of 40 male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and three experimental groups. The rats in the experimental groups were respectively stimulated with 38, 55 and 70 dB noise for 15 days, and the levels of blood components were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The results showed that in compari-son with the control group, the level of the blood glucose in the experimental groups increased by 23.53%, 52.94% and 88.24%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The levels of triglyceride in the blood rose by 20.83%, 38.54% and 79.68%, respectively, and the differences were also statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of globulin in the blood increased by 16.49%, 21.13% and 51.78%, and the level of albumin in the blood rose by 9.51 %, 12.67% and 17.89%, respectively. The level of total bilirubin in the blood increased by 27.04%, 41.63% and 73.67%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of creatinine in the blood rose by 9.72%, 10.21% and 20.99%, respectively. The level of amylase in the blood reduced by 6.6%, 13.05% and 23.89%, respectively. The level of creatine kinase in the blood decreased by 19.81%, 27.37% and 36.81 %, respectively, and the level of urea in the blood reduced by 11.19%, 12.77% and 19.26%, respectively. The results revealed that noise pollution could significantly affect the levels of blood components and the functions of the liver and kidney of rats.

Assessment of Noise Pollution along Two Main Avenues in Curitiba, Brazil

In this study, noise pollution assessments were performed along Marechal Deodoro Avenue and Batel Avenue, which are two major thoroughfares in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Eleven points were evaluated at Batel Avenue and 16 points at Marechal Deodoro Avenue. The results of the noise level measurements and the calculation of noise maps indicated that both thoroughfares are acoustically polluted. The simulated and measured noise levels, in the 27 evaluated points, exceed the limits established by law 10,625 of the city of Curitiba, which establishes acceptable levels for the comfort of the population in the external environment. With regard to the traffic composition in the areas under study, the vehicle flow was found to consist mostly of light vehicles, representing 88% of the total flow along Batel Avenue and 85% on Marshal Deodoro Street. Based on the noise maps and measured noise levels, it was found that the entire length of Marshal Deodoro Avenue and Batel Avenue are strongly affected by street noise, which is readily explained by the constant traffic, high vehicle flow (number of vehicles/hour) and high vehicle speed at some points of these thoroughfares.

A Survey of Noise Pollution in Ado-Ekiti Metropolis Using Mobile Phone

Noise is considered as the most pervasive pollutant, it constitutes the most disturbing among the city pollutants and is a serious urban crisis in Ado Ekiti metropolis. Noise pollution was monitored at five different locations in Ado-Ekiti, the capital town of Ekiti State of Nigeria. The study was done using a Virtual Instrument;a Sound Pressure Level mobile application installed on a mobile phone. The equivalent noise level using A-weighting was taken every fifteen minutes in each location between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm and the LAeq,T of each location was calculated. Maximum LAeq,6h of 105.40 dB was obtained in marketplace between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm while the minimum value of LAeq,6h obtained for a residential area in the same period is 69.51 dBA. The residents are exposed to average noise levels of 75 - 98 dB (A) or more every day which is higher than the recommended value of 60 dBA by WHO. This is very dangerous to the health of the people in these areas, and the results obtained in this study are useful as reference and guideline for future regulations on noise limit to be implemented for urban areas in Nigeria.

Impact of Noise Barriers on Air-Pollution Dispersion

The impact of noise barriers on gaseous air-pollution dispersion was examined using the high-resolution CLMM (Charles University LES (Large Eddy Simulation) Microscale Model). The dispersion of a mixture of nitrogen oxides (denoted as NOx—a mix of NO and NO2) was computed, providing the simulation in which wind direction is approximately perpendicular to the noise barriers. The barriers were assumed to be straight and infinitely long, with a height of 3 m. Dispersion of NOx was modeled for situations with no noise barriers along the highway, barriers on both sides, and for a single barrier on the upwind and downwind sides of the highway. The modelling results are presented and discussed in relation to previous studies and the implications of the results are considered for pollution barriers along highways.

Assessment of Traffic Noise Pollution in Burla Town,India;An InclusiveAnnoyance Study

Noise pollution is one of the major public health problems in urban areas throughout the world.Noise is unwanted sound which produces undesirable problems in day to day life of human being(e.g.,physiological and psychological problems).Rapid increase of the industrialization,urbanization,infrastructure,volume of motor vehicles,and increase in the road networks brought noise pollution to the highest level of disaster in a current situation.In urban areas,road traffic noise plays commanding role among all noise sources and affects the exposed inhabitants.The present work is done to evaluate and assess the traffic noise and its effects in Burla town.Burla,Vidyanagari of Odisha,is an emerging town in India,as it hosts national level of teaching and research institutions like IIM Sambalpur,a medical college-cum-hospital(VIMSAR),a technical university(VSSUT)and Sambalpur University.In last two decade,the road traffic volume has been increased and is facing severe noise pollution to its inhabitants.Noise pollution assessment was made at different locations of the town.This study unveiled the dismal state of noise pollution in the town.Noise contour maps were drawn to visualize the noise level at the traffic and its surroundings.The numbers of hearing impaired patients in different hospitals of the locality are increasing.That shows grim picture of the situation.Regression equations were established taking noise levels with percentage of highly annoyed people during study indicates strong correlation.

Remote sensing of air pollution incorporating integrated-path differential-absorption and coherent-Doppler lidar

An innovative complex lidar system deployed on an airborne rotorcraft platform for remote sensing of atmospheric pollution is proposed and demonstrated.The system incorporates integrated-path differential absorption lidar(DIAL) and coherent-doppler lidar(CDL) techniques using a dual tunable TEA CO_(2)laser in the 9—11 μm band and a 1.55 μm fiber laser.By combining the principles of differential absorption detection and pulsed coherent detection,the system enables agile and remote sensing of atmospheric pollution.Extensive static tests validate the system’s real-time detection capabilities,including the measurement of concentration-path-length product(CL),front distance,and path wind speed of air pollution plumes over long distances exceeding 4 km.Flight experiments is conducted with the helicopter.Scanning of the pollutant concentration and the wind field is carried out in an approximately 1 km slant range over scanning angle ranges from 45°to 65°,with a radial resolution of 30 m and10 s.The test results demonstrate the system’s ability to spatially map atmospheric pollution plumes and predict their motion and dispersion patterns,thereby ensuring the protection of public safety.

Ordered mesoporous materials for water pollution treatment:Adsorption and catalysis

To meet the growing emission of water contaminants,the development of new materials that enhance the efficiency of the water treatment system is urgent.Ordered mesoporous materials provide opportunities in environmental processing applications due to their exceptionally high surface areas,large pore sizes,and enough pore volumes.These properties might enhance the performance of materials concerning adsorption/catalysis capability,durability,and stability.In this review,we enumerate the ordered mesoporous materials as adsorbents/catalysts and their modifications in water pollution treatment from the past decade,including heavy metals(Hg^(2+),Pb^(2+),Cd^(2+),Cr^(6+),etc.),toxic anions(nitrate,phosphate,fluoride,etc.),and organic contaminants(organic dyes,antibiotics,etc.).These contributions demonstrate a deep understanding of the synergistic effect between the incorporated framework and homogeneous active centers.Besides,the challenges and perspectives of the future developments of ordered mesoporous materials in wastewater treatment are proposed.This work provides a theoretical basis and complete summary for the application of ordered mesoporous materials in the removal of contaminants from aqueous solutions.

Numerical Study on Reduction in Aerodynamic Drag and Noise of High-Speed Pantograph

Reducing the aerodynamic drag and noise levels of high-speed pantographs is important for promoting environmentally friendly,energy efficient and rapid advances in train technology.Using computational fluid dynamics theory and the K-FWH acoustic equation,a numerical simulation is conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of high-speed pantographs.A component optimization method is proposed as a possible solution to the problemof aerodynamic drag and noise in high-speed pantographs.The results of the study indicate that the panhead,base and insulator are the main contributors to aerodynamic drag and noise in high-speed pantographs.Therefore,a gradual optimization process is implemented to improve the most significant components that cause aerodynamic drag and noise.By optimizing the cross-sectional shape of the strips and insulators,the drag and noise caused by airflow separation and vortex shedding can be reduced.The aerodynamic drag of insulator with circular cross section and strips with rectangular cross section is the largest.Ellipsifying insulators and optimizing the chamfer angle and height of the windward surface of the strips can improve the aerodynamic performance of the pantograph.In addition,the streamlined fairing attached to the base can eliminate the complex flow and shield the radiated noise.In contrast to the original pantograph design,the improved pantograph shows a 21.1%reduction in aerodynamic drag and a 1.65 dBA reduction in aerodynamic noise.

Tb^(3+)-nucleic acid probe-based label-free and rapid detection of mercury pollution in food

Mercury is a threatening pollutant in food,herein,we developed a Tb^(3+)-nucleic acid probe-based label-free assay for mix-and-read,rapid detection of mercury pollution.The assay utilized the feature of light-up fluorescence of terbium ions(Tb^(3+))via binding with single-strand DNA.Mercury ion,Hg^(2+)induced thymine(T)-rich DNA strand to form a double-strand structure(T-Hg^(2+)-T),thus leading to fluorescence reduction.Based on the principle,Hg^(2+)can be quantified based on the fluorescence of Tb^(3+),the limit of detection was 0.0689μmol/L and the linear range was 0.1-6.0μmol/L.Due to the specificity of T-Hg^(2+)-T artificial base pair,the assay could distinguish Hg^(2+)from other metal ions.The recovery rate was ranged in 98.71%-101.34%for detecting mercury pollution in three food samples.The assay is low-cost,separation-free and mix-to-read,thus was a competitive tool for detection of mercury pollution to ensure food safety.