Linear parks and noise mitigation. Sound measurements comparison in two urban parks in Mendoza metropolitan area, Argentina

Abstract

Environmental noise is increasing in cities, and vegetated public spaces could act as barriers to its mitigation. This study compares the capacity of two urban parks with linear development and adjacent to roads with heavy vehicle traffic as natural barriers that reduce urban noise. The aim is to quantify the ecosystem service provided by this portion of the urban forest in mitigating noise pollution in Mendoza city. The objective is to quantify the ecosystem service of this urban forest portion in mitigating noise pollution at Mendoza city. Methodologically, sound level measurement campaigns are conducted in summer and winter, along with traffic counts and characterization of existing vegetation. The results indicate that areas with a greater number of perennial species offer better opportunities to mitigate noise produced by vehicular traffic, particularly in winter. In summer, the abundant biomass allows for reductions of 12 to 17 dB(A) between the noise source and the receptor. These values confirm the importance of including parks in the city as natural noise barriers. Their planning and landscape design should consider the correct selection of tree and shrub species and their appropriate composition in order to effectively promote noise attenuation and improve the site's sound conditions.