Spatial and Temporal Variation of Noise Pollution in Riyadh City: A Geographical Study

Abstract

This study aims at monitoring the levels of noise pollution resulting from the various activities carried out by the population in different segments (North - Central - East - West - South) of Riyadh city; clarifying the spatial and temporal variation of noise pollution levels; and determining to what extent these levels comply with the permissible noise limits globally and locally.

The study relied on a Sound Level Meter device in measuring noise levels within the five segments of the city, by selecting 50 random points in various segments, in residential, educational, commercial, industrial, and hospital areas, during two periods: a daytime period from 1 am to 7 pm and an evening period from 4 - 10 pm, at a height of 1.5 meters above the ground and at a distance of 4 meters away from the source of the noise.

The study showed several findings, of which the most prominent are: variation of distribution levels of noise at the level of civil segments. The lowest noise limit was (64.9) decibels in the morning in south Riyadh city, and the highest was (83.2) decibels in east Riyadh city, exceeding the limits of the allowed noise rate in Saudi Arabia according to the implementing regulation of noise (70) decibels. The overall average of the evening readings was high (64.9) decibels, compared to the morning (61.9) decibels.

The study concluded with a number of recommendations centered on reducing noise levels, especially traffic noise, which increases at night and could have some health effects in the future.