GIS-based mapping and assessment of noise pollution in Safranbolu, Karabuk, Turkey

In this study, it is aimed to determine and map the noise pollution levels in Safranbolu District Center, especially in the regions where motor vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic is intense. Forty-seven measurement points were selected for noise level measurements at the district center. Measurements were conducted at morning (8 a.m.–10 a.m.), lunchtime (12 p.m.–2 p.m.) and evening (6 p.m.–8 p.m.) hours of weekdays and weekends throughout the seasons of summer 2017 and winter 2018. The summer season weekdays noise level ranges from 41.3 to 71.2 dBA in the morning period, 40 to 71.2 dBA in the noon period and 40.6 to 73.1 dBA in the evening. The summer season weekend noise level ranges from 45.3 to 69.1 dBA in the morning period, 44.7 to 71.4 dBA in the noon period and 41.6 to 70.9 dBA in the evening. The result showed that the level of summer season weekday and weekend noise pollution in the morning, noon and evening is close to each other. In addition, the winter season weekdays noise level ranges from 32.3 to 68.5 dBA in the morning period, 30.8 to 73.3 dBA in the noon period and 37.4 to 72.9 dBA in the evening. The winter season weekend noise level ranges from 37.2 to 65.8 dBA in the morning period, 40 to 71.3 dBA in the noon period and 40.5 to 69.7 dBA in the evening. The result showed that the level of winter season weekdays and weekend noise pollution in the noon is generally higher than morning and evening. The obtained data are compared with the limit values specified in the Environmental Hazard Assessment and Management Regulation. The hazardous noise level, which is considered as the threshold for causing physiological problems on humans, was determined to be exceeded at many locations. This situation may cause significant negative consequences on human health, quality of life and tourism sector. Obtained data were processed, and noise pollution levels for the city of Safranbolu were mapped using a geostatistical analysis software. In total, 16 noise pollution maps were drawn for different situations (e.g., weekdays, weekend, daytime, noon, night, summer season, winter season, etc.). Obtained noise level results demonstrate that the overall quality of the acoustic environment in our study area was medium level, which means that exposure to these levels over a long period can affect human health and quality of life. Finally, the results of a survey conducted as a part of this study were given, and possible measures and suggestions to reduce these noise levels in the district down to the desired limit values were discussed. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10668-021-01303-5.