Characterization of environmental noise based on noise measurements, noise mapping and interviews: A case study at a university campus in Brazil

The purpose of this research was to characterize the environmental noise on the campus of the Polytechnic Center of the Federal University of Parana, Brazil. This research was divided into two parts: (1) Objective - in situ measurements of the equivalent continuous sound pressure level L-Aeq followed by noise mapping of the whole campus area, using B&K Predictor 7810 software; (2) Subjective - involving the preparation and application of a questionnaire to a sample of 389 people from the campus population to gather information about their reactions to noise. The L-Aeq data were compared with the noise immission limits for outdoor environments in educational areas recommended by WHO - L-Aeq, = 55 dB(A). The results indicated that 89.65% of the 58 evaluated points exceeded the 55 dB(A) limit. Concentration difficulties and irritation were the most cited effects in all educational sectors evaluated. Together, these two effects were cited by 61% of the interviewed people in the Biological Science Sector, 81% in the Exact Science Sector, 69% in the Earth Science Sector and 74% in the Technological Sector. Further, there were strong positive correlations between measured noise levels and reports of annoyance from noise levels perceived by the interviewed campus population. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.