Evaluation of noise pollution in Parks of Sanandaj City and zoning with Geographic Information System

It is accepted that noise pollution has a major impact on health, such as physical, physiological, psychological and performance related effects, all over the world. This study aims to evaluate noise pollution in four urban parks located in Sanandaj City, Iran and to zone it in GIS environment. Sound pressure level (SPL) and maximum sound level (Lmax) were measured at 45 points (each point was measured in a duration of 1 min) spread throughout the parks. The measurement of SPL alongside Lmax was performed using a sound-level-meter TES-1351A. Location of measuring points was recorded using GPS. The noise pollution was found to be more than 50 dB (A) during the day and 40 dB (A) at night, which are within the prescribed standard level for commercial-residential-recreational zones by Iran National Environmental Standards. The Lmax of Amirieh, Koodak, IT, and Maolavi parks were 73.3, 74.31, 74.88, and74.79 dB (A), respectively. Moreover, the SPL of Amirieh, Koodak, IT, and Maolavi parks were 56.99, 60.27, 59.47, and 60.93 dB (A), respectively. Amirieh Park had the lowest Lmax and SPL due to high cover vegetation and lack of high road traffic, whereas the other three parks showed the maximum amount of Lmax and SPL due to the surrounding traffic routes. Improving the parks acoustic conditions through noise insulation using green barriers decorated with plant material can be considered as effective method in order to decrease noise to acceptable level in all the parks.