Iranian Journal of

Background and Objective: Air pollutants and noise level are areas of concern for public health, especially in metropolitan areas. In tunnels, underground stations and indoors with insufficient ventilation rate and noise reflection, accumulation of pollutants and noise pollution are serious problems.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate the level of PM and noise level in the Majlesi terminal, located close to Imam Ali Square in Isfahan. Sampling was done in two phases, spring and summer. Samples were taken during six working days, twice a day, morning and afternoon and at traffic peaks. The effect of launching a BRT system was also evaluated. The SKC sampling pump and sound level meter of KIMO were used for the evaluation of particulate matter and noise.
Results: The results showed that the launch of a BRT system led to a change in PM concentration from 85.17 μg/m³ to 53.58 (37% reduction), however, the average value of summer noise level (78.34 dB) was higher than the average value of spring (76.23 dB). Both PM and noise levels were higher than the values of international standards of EPA and WHO guidelines. The level of PM and noise level was a function of traffic and varied during weekdays. On Thursdays and after medieval holidays, the highest level was observed. The pollution and noise levels were higher during afternoon than the morning peak hours due to the traffic and accumulation of contaminants.
Conclusion: The research revealed that indoor and underground environments are not suitable options as a parking lot or bus terminals, due to a need for mechanical ventilation, lack of adequate air circulation and sound reflection.
 

Background and Objective: Conversion of houses into residential towers in worn-out urban textures increases population. Schools of the vicinity would face with multiplicity and limited space for students, leading to noise pollution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the noise levels during morning and afternoon shifts among two primary schools in Zanjan.
Materials and Methods: Measurements had been done using sound level meter, KIMO DB100. The equivalent noise level (L_eq) measured during school year (2018-2019) in 10 stations. The measurements were done in three seasons (autumn, winter and spring) and in each season for two weeks. The data of the two schools were used for drawing charts and zoning by ArcGIS using IDW method. In addition, questionnaires were distributed among the teachers and school’ neighbors. The data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that all the stations were tackled with noise pollution. The highest levels were related to school’s shift change and break times. The morning shift schools experienced higher levels of noise in comparison to the afternoon ones (1.87 and 2.1 dB, respectively for boys and girls). L_eq values for boys’ school was 2 dB higher than that of the girls’. The noise level in the schools were 72 dB, which is 17 dB higher than the standard level 55 dB.
Conclusion: The residents living close to the schools were exposed to noise pollution for almost 10 hours a day. This could be regarded as harmful. The zoning maps showed that southwest side of the yard, adjacent to the neighboring residential buildings, had the highest levels of noise. This study demonstrated the site selection for the schools were not properly done.  Having a control strategy is needed.