POTENTIAL HAZRD OF NOISE, PARTICULATE MATTER AND METALS ALONG THE RING ROAD

Abstract

In this study, the particulate matter and its contents of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Cd, Cr, Co, Ag and Mn) and anions(B-, F-, Cl-, NO2-, NO3- and SO4- ) and noise levels were monitored at Cornish EL Maadi (A), Gezirat El Dahab (B) and Al-Marioteya (C) . The data revealed that the total suspended particulate and its contents and noise levels at Corniche El Maadi Street (A) and Al-Marioteya (C) (all day) as well as at Gezirat El Dahab (B) (evening) exceeded the set total suspended particulate and noise regulations in Egypt. Overall, it was the buses, private cars + taxis, mini vans and mini truck that made the main bulk of traffic passing through the ring road on weekdays. However, the study revealed that the main category of vehicles contributing towards the recorded particulate matter and noise levels was the miscellaneous type. This means of transportation were slow and proceeded along the right lane of the road and thus had a more measurable impact upon the recorded total suspended particulate and its content and noise levels at the three monitored locations. However, the contribution from vans and mini-trucks towards the noise levels recorded was significant at Gezirat El Dahab and Al-Marioteya during Monday and Friday, respectively. Nonetheless, such contribution was not witnessed for Corniche El Maadi Street, where the miscellaneous category was a predominant noise contributing factor during both Monday and Friday.