Urban and industrial noise pollution is present in virtually every country in the world. Noise pollution studies are therefore needed to find solutions to improve the quality of life in cities. This book contains eighteen chapters that address the problem of noise in urban and industrial environments. One of the chapters evaluates how noise is perceived by the residents of three cities with different population densities, and a methodology is presented for the assessment of road traffic noise in one of these cities, using noise maps. Noise pollution is also evaluated on a university campus and at leisure locations such as public parks. Industrial noise is discussed in two chapters, and solutions are proposed to reduce the noise levels that reach communities located in the proximities of a metal working plant and a paper mill. One of the chapters focuses on technical standards and noise assessment regulations. Another proposes a methodology aided by three-dimensional acoustic mapping to design the sound insulation of building facades. The problems caused by rail traffic noise and aircraft noise levels are discussed in two other chapters, based on measured sound pressure levels, interviews and noise maps. A prediction matrix for the assessment of traffic-related noise pollution is presented in another chapter. This matrix, which is based on noise prediction maps, allows for the qualification and quantification of the global impact of environmental noise resulting from the implementation of a road construction project and its operation. The last chapter in this book focuses on a unique problem that most people are rarely aware of; this problem is the effects of traffic noise on the acoustic signals emitted by birds in an urban environment. The analyses discussed in this book are based on field measurements of sound pressure levels and computer calculations of noise maps. Noise mapping is a highly effective technique to visualise the problem of noise in large urban centers and noise generated by manufacturing plants. This technique facilitates the search for answers to the problem of noise pollution and is helpful for comparing solutions, enabling one to select the most effective and economically feasible solution. Several case studies are described throughout the book. These are examples of real cases, which were used to assess the quality of urban and industrial environments. Based on measurements, noise maps are calculated to show the current status of noise pollution. Subsequent analyses based on noise mapping simulations indicate the urban and industrial noise abatement measures recommended for the cases in question. The target audience of this book includes undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals working in the areas of environmental management of cities, of factories, in architecture, urban design, in environmental, mechanical and civil engineering, urban planning, and health care professional planning.

Environmental Noise Pollution: Noise Mapping, Public Health and Policy addresses the key debates surrounding environmental noise pollution with a particular focus on the European Union. Environmental noise pollution is an emerging public policy and environmental concern and is considered to be one of the most important environmental stressors affecting public health throughout the world. This book examines environmental noise pollution, its health implications, the role of strategic noise mapping for problem assessment, major sources of environmental noise pollution, noise mitigation approaches, and related procedural and policy implications. Drawing on the authors' considerable research expertise in the area, the book is the first coherent work on this major environmental stressor, a new benchmark reference across disciplinary, policy and national boundaries. - Highlights recent developments in the policy arena with particular focus on developments in the EU within the context of the European Noise Directive - Explores the lessons emerging from nations within the EU and other jurisdictions attempting to legislate and mitigate against the harmful effects of noise pollution - Covers the core theoretical concepts and principles surrounding the mechanics of noise pollution as well as the evidence-base linking noise with public health concerns

Over the past two decades there have been many major new developments in the field of urban sound environment. Jian Kang introduces and examines these key developments, including: the development of prediction methods for urban sound propagation establishment and application of noise-mapping software new noise control measures and design methods. Also covered is the new EU directive on noise and the substantial actions it has brought about across Europe. As the importance of soundscape, acoustic comfort and sound environment design have become widely recognized, Urban Sound Environments is a thoroughly useful book for students and practitioners in a wide range of fields, from urban planning and landscape through to architecture and acoustics.

Environmental noise is defined as the noise emitted from sources such as road, rail and air traffic, industries, construction and public works, and the neighborhood. Noise has been ranked high among forms of pollutions, which include air pollution, radioactive waste pollution, water pollutions, etc. In recent years, noise has received considerable worldwide attention as a result of the many studies linking noise pollution to various health effects that include auditory as well non-auditory health effects. It should be noted here that the effect of noise is seldom catastrophic, and is often only transitory. However, its adverse effects can be cumulative with prolonged or repeated exposure. Noise with daily activities and it causes sleep disruption, masking of speech, reduction in performance and the inability to enjoy one's property or leisure time. It impairs the quality of life. In addition, several studies have linked extended exposure to high noise levels to cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. It has also been reported that high noise levels have an economic effects, especially tourism and real estate sectors, where it has been reported that the prices of houses tend to be higher in quite areas. There is also some evidence that noise can adversely affect general health and well-being in the same manner as chronic stress. Because of these factors, and the recent public awareness of the adverse effects of noise in the last few decades, many studies and noise monitoring programs have been established in various parts in the world. These studies and programs focus on measurements of perceived sound levels in communities, in the workplace (occupational noise), near airports and in public parks. A second area of research, which is getting more attention in recent years, focuses on assessing the effects of noise on individuals and communities, i.e. noise annoyance. This book discusses several topics that include driver style influence in the vehicle acoustic emissions in urban traffic; reaction to hybrid noise in communication; otoacoustic emissions by product distortion in metallurgical workers exposed to different doses of occupational noise; underwater noise pollution; and noise pollution in Zimbabwe.

The trajectories of pollution in global capitalism, from the toxic waste of early tanneries to the poisonous effects of pesticides in the twentieth century. Through the centuries, the march of economic progress has been accompanied by the spread of industrial pollution. As our capacities for production and our aptitude for consumption have increased, so have their byproducts--chemical contamination from fertilizers and pesticides, diesel emissions, oil spills, a vast "plastic continent" found floating in the ocean. The Contamination of the Earth offers a social and political history of industrial pollution, mapping its trajectories over three centuries, from the toxic wastes of early tanneries to the fossil fuel energy regime of the twentieth century.

"Noise Pollution and Control Strategy discusses the basics of acoustic propagation, reviews the problem of noise generation over all national and international situations and gives various techniques available for noise measurements and assessment, health effects of noise, the standards adopted by various countries of the world, environmental impact assessment techniques, control measures and status of noise measurement and abatement practices. In the last chapter, an effort has been made to lay an appropriate strategy to control noise. The book concludes with the future vision in the area of noise pollution and an up-to-date list of references and bibliography. The acoustical terminology in a separate appendix would be of great help as a ready reference."--BOOK JACKET.

Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes is a unique, five volume reference that provides a global synthesis of biomes, including the latest science. All of the book's chapters follow a common thematic order that spans biodiversity importance, principal anthropogenic stressors and trends, changing climatic conditions, and conservation strategies for maintaining biomes in an increasingly human-dominated world. This work is a one-stop shop that gives users access to up-to-date, informative articles that go deeper in content than any currently available publication. Offers students and researchers a one-stop shop for information currently only available in scattered or non-technical sources Authored and edited by top scientists in the field Concisely written to guide the reader though the topic Includes meaningful illustrations and suggests further reading for those needing more specific information