Investigation of Noise Levels Within Al-Muthanna University in Al-Muthanna Province Iraq

Abstract

Noise pollution around the Al-Muthanna university in Al-Samawah city was measured to study the effects on the teaching-learning processes and performance of both teachers and students during November and December 2014. Digital Sound Level Meter (model a GM1351 ) was used to measure the noise level, In twelve selected buildings for the study as indoor sites and the park and main door of the university as outdoor sites . The measurements at the buildings were carried out in three different time intervals of the day i.e. in the morning 8:00-10:00am, 10:00-12:00 pm and 12:00-2:00 pm. Noise intensity was also measured in two points at an interval of half hour .After recording of daily measurements of noise level, the hourly average noise level for each point of the building and for the whole buildings were calculated. As well as the total average of noise levels was calculated in order to compare it with the allowable limits of EPA for educational institutions. The maximum noise level was found in college of education (81.8) dBl and the minimum value in college of nursing which was equal(73.3) dBl. The study results show that the rate of noise level in an indoor and outdoor sites is very high and not suitable for teaching-learning processes. Therefore Acts and regulations concerning noise pollution should be strictly adopted.