Mapping and Mitigating Urban Noise: A Case Study of Loja, Ecuador's Soundscape

Authors

Keywords:

Environmental noise assessment, Noise mapping, Laws and legislation, Noise urban limits, Vehicle noise

Abstract

Noise pollution in Ecuador and other Latin American countries is an environmental problem that has been scientifically assessed but ignored when implementing internal policies. Up to 2022, Loja was listed as the ninth most populated city in the country and the tenth, with exponential growth, in its automotive sector over the last decade. In 2006, Loja's municipal ordinance aimed to address noise pollution. Since then, the need for well-planned assessments has limited the effectiveness of implementing internal policies. This study evaluates the levels of sound pressure in the urban area of Loja in Ecuador to assess the current noise pollution and develop the first noise map to derive internal policies.

Seventy-six sampling points were distributed around residential, commercial, industrial, and service areas which were monitored using type 1 integrating sound level meters. Results revealed that 94% of the points exceeded the maximum allowed limits, with an average of 67 dBA, ranging between 55 and 72.9 dBA. The noisiest places are associated with major traffic routes, primarily avenues with a constant flow of vehicles. To mitigate noise pollution, traffic flow management during peak hours, awareness campaigns promoting quieter transportation modes, and biannual controls are suggested.

Author Biography

Natalia Donoso , Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

PhD in Applied Biological Sciences, Ghent University – Belgium. Master in Environmental Sanitation, Ghent University – Belgium. Graduate in Chemical Sciences, specialty Analytical Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador - Quito. Teacher and researcher at the Private Technical University of Loja, teaching subjects such as Basic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Environmental Pollution, Practicum I, II, and III, Environmental Chemistry, and Environmental Engineering.

My research area is optimizing wastewater treatment and reuse from the agricultural sector through constructed wetlands.

Additional Files

Published

2024-09-08

How to Cite

1.
del Pozo Meza DE, Donoso Pantoja NC, Valle Esparza BG. Mapping and Mitigating Urban Noise: A Case Study of Loja, Ecuador’s Soundscape. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2024 Sep. 8 [cited 2024 Oct. 9];52(3). Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/4155

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Article - Engineering Acoustics / Noise Control

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