Strategic management of urban noise in Iran: A Source-Based Review, policy framework and research gaps

Abstract

This paper presents a structured review of existing studies on urban noise pollution aimed at categorizing current implementation strategies for reducing and controlling noise pollution as well as highlighting key research gaps. Urban noise pollution remains an ongoing challenge in environmental management, especially in developing countries, where practical implementation approaches have not been thoroughly explored. Keywords like “environmental pollution”, “noise pollution”, “sound control”, “sound measurement”, “sound barrier”, and “noise reduction” were explored in databases such as Scopus, the Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC), PubMed, ScienceDirect, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Civilica to ensure thorough coverage. To ensure a transparent and reproducible systematic review, study selection adhered to PRISMA guidelines, producing 77 relevant papers. This study introduces a source-based classification of noise into three categories: mobile, fixed, and temporary. The majority of previous research has focused on sound level measurements from fixed and mobile sources. Existing Iranian management strategies are examined with respect to these source types. Although some studies have examined basic noise mitigation techniques and analyzed the collected data, specialized, context-specific solutions are still scarce. These findings underscore significant gaps in the development of actionable frameworks for urban noise management. This study offers tailored suggestions arranged into short- and long-term intervention timelines, building upon this framework. By facilitating a practical alignment between policy implementation and available resources, this dual-structured approach provides urban planners a strategic tool for setting priorities for noise mitigation initiatives. The proposed classification framework may assist city decision-makers in selecting the most effective strategies to address noise pollution.