Spatial Assessment of Noise Pollution in the University of Calabar Duke Town Campus

Noise pollution is a significant environmental stress, particularly in academic environments where it is capable of impairing learning as well as cognitive function. This study examines noise pollution impacts around the University of Calabar Duke Town Campus. The main objectives were measuring ambient noise levels, identifying significant noise pollution sources, and creating a spatial noise map. Data were collected from 47 georeferenced sampling sites using a handheld decibel meter for three days. The mean noise levels were assessed and interpolated through the use of the Kriging technique in a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. The findings indicate that noise levels around the campus ranged from 85.3 dB to a high of 125 dB, well beyond the optimal learning environment limit of 35 dB as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Spatial analysis of noise pollution indicated that noise increases with proximity to the Etta Agbor highway, with vehicles, commercial activities, and in-campus generators being the main noise pollution sources. The derived noise map is a visual tool for identifying acoustic hotspots and underscores the urgent need for agency strategies for mitigating noise, such as the erection of acoustic barriers as well as enforcement of noise control measures, for safeguarding the academic environment.