Title: A Study Of Noise Pollution From Agglomerated Grinding Mills In Selected Markets In Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: N. M. Okafor and F. I. Ikegbunam
Volume: 8
Issue: 11
Pages: 349-359
Publication Date: 2024/11/28
Abstract:
This study examined the agglomeration of grinding mills as a source of noise pollution in Anambra State. The study was anchored on Wave Theory and Relational Event Theory. A survey research design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of 242 mill operators purposively selected from 6 markets from the 3 senatorial zones of Anambra State, with a sample size of 242. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. An MS6701 Digital Sound Level Meter of range of 30-130 dBA was used to measure the noise levels for three days (morning, afternoon and evening periods). Person's product moment correlation, Goodness-of-fit Chi-Square Test, and one sample T-test were used to test hypotheses at a 5% level of significance. Noise levels were measured at intervals of 0m, 10m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50 m and 100 meters away from the grinding mills. The results showed that noise levels decreased as one moves away from the grinding mill source, and decreases further as one moves further away and that operators are not aware of any occupational health and safety risk involved in exposure to noise in their workplaces. It was, therefore, concluded that grinding mill operations contribute to noise pollution in their area of operation. The study recommended the use of some safety gadgets like eco-barriers, ear muffs, earplugs, and ear canal caps by the operators and, the locating grinding mill operations outside the major markets to help reduce exposure to high noise levels to the public.