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Field Measurements and Human Perception to Remediate Noise Pollution in the Urban Public Parks in Saudi Arabia

Research Authors
Saleem S. AlSaleem, Abdulbasit Almhafdy, Umberto Berardi, Amal A. Al-Shargabi and Ahmed AbdelMonteleb M. Ali
Research Date
Research Year
2023
Research Journal
Sustainability
Research Publisher
MDPI
Research Vol
15
Research Rank
ISI Q2
Research_Pages
16
Research Website
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/13/9977
Research Abstract

The deleterious effects of noise pollution on public health have been well documented, 
with traffic noise being identified as a significant contributor to stress and adverse impacts on the 
human body and mind. In this study, sound levels at 12 different points in Al-Oqailat Park in Bu- 
raydah, Saudi Arabia, were measured using a sound level meter (SLM), with the study’s primary 
objective being to conduct this measurement. The experimental results were then compared with 
perception measurements collected from users who frequently visited Al-Oqailat park. Sound meas- 
urements were taken in four different zones (A, B, C, and D) during rush hours between 1:30 p.m. 
and 5:20 p.m. It was found that noise levels at point A1 peaked at 79 dBA at 4:40 p.m., while the 
lowest level recorded was 41.1 dBA at point D2 at 2:35 p.m. The range of noise levels varied between 
79 and 41 dBA, with a rate of decline of 48.10%. Zones A and B seemed to have the highest noise 
levels during rush hours, since they were located closest to King Fahd Road and Al-Adl Street, while 
zone D exhibited the lowest noise levels due to its location as a parking lot for Buraydah Court. An 
intermediate noise level was found in zone C, in the middle of Al-Oqailat park. The people percep- 
tion results, completed by 84 park visitors, showed that zone A was identified as having exception- 
ally high noise levels compared to the other zones, with zone D having the lowest levels. These 
results were consistent with the experimental findings and reflected that the points along King Fahd 
Road and Al-Adl Street had the highest noise levels. Overall, the research highlighted the domi- 
nance of car traffic and horns as the primary sources of noise pollution in and around Al-Oqailat 
Park, emphasizing the significance of meticulous site selection for parks in urban areas.

Research Rank
International Journal