Sensory pollution from artificial night-lighting and anthropogenic noise have increased at a dramatic rate over the last several decades. Alterations to the sensory environment have been found to affect wildlife in a wide variety of ways including behavioral changes, physiological responses, changes in species interactions, and altered community structure. Increased levels of light and noise pollution can originate from many sources including roads, energy development and infrastructure, and urbanization. Even remote or protected areas are not immune to the effects of increased sensory disturbances with 63 percent of protected areas within the United States found to have been exposed to a doubling of background noise levels due to anthropogenic activity and skyglow, the scattering of artificial light by the atmosphere, extending hundreds of kilometers from the source. Despite a large body of work investigating the effects of light or noise pollution acting alone, relatively few studies have examined the effects of both stimuli acting together even though they frequently co-occur. Better understanding how these stressors, especially when present simultaneously, are affecting ecosystems is critical to ongoing mitigation and conservation efforts. In Chapter 1, we investigated the effects of increased levels of light and noise pollution, both singularly and in tandem, on pinyon mouse (Peromyscus truei) activity and body condition. Using a full factorial study design allowed us to isolate the effects of both stimuli when acting alone as well as any potential interactions between the two when both were present. We used standard trapping methods across a gradient of light, noise, and both combined while also accounting for variations in moonlight, vegetative structure, and weather. We found that an increased level of artificial night-lighting resulted in lower trap success of pinyon mice while there was no effect of noise on trap success. There was no effect of elevated light levels on body condition but there was a negative effect of noise on body condition early in the season. Later in the season, neither light nor noise influenced body condition. No interactive effects between light and noise were found. In Chapter 2, we studied the effects of anthropogenic light and noise, singularly and in tandem, on species richness and community structure using camera traps in a manipulative field experiment. We investigated these effects at both the species level and the taxonomic level (nocturnal mammals, diurnal mammals, lagomorphs, birds, mesocarnivores, and ungulates). We showed that both light and noise pollution did alter species richness and that these effects can differ depending on the scale of observation. Increased levels of night-lighting had a scale-dependent effect on species richness such that increases in light levels had a negative effect on richness at the camera level, but light-treated sites had the highest estimated cumulative richness. In contrast, noise was found to have a negative effect on richness for birds. When both stimuli were present, the addition of night-lighting mitigated the effects of noise for birds. For community structure, noise-treated sites were the most dissimilar from other treatments, indicating that increased levels of anthropogenic noise likely have the largest effect on community structure in this study. We also found evidence of a possible rescue effect of light that counteracts the negative effect of noise. That is, combined treatment sites were significantly dissimilar from both light and noise sites but not from the control sites. Together, our results provide evidence that alterations to the sensory environment from anthropogenic activity can affect wild animal populations in multiple ways. As human development increases to meet the demands of growing human populations, more ecosystems will be exposed to increased levels of sensory disturbance, making the understanding of how these changes affect wildlife critical to ongoing conservation efforts.

This thesis deals with the study and normative proposal for a regulation of noise pollution generated by merchant ships, which is the main cause of underwater noise pollution. It is divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, the aspects of marine acoustics are reviewed, including a revisit of hydrophones, the analysis of the distances at which sound intensities are maintained above a baseline level, and a self designed study, which leads to the conclusion that the differences in incremental trends in underwater sound intensity in previous studies are due to differences in maritime traffic. This is confirmed by highly significant statistical data obtained by binary logistic regression between hydrophonic records that have detected an increase and those that have not (p<0.0001). A compilation and bibliometric analysis has made it possible to study specifically the negative impact of ship-generated noise on marine species. In 87% of the publications consulted, including experimental data, a high or moderately high negative impact of sound on marine species was evident; only 5% of the articles reported no effects of noise pollution. The study covered a wide variety of seas and oceans, although most of the studies (31%) were conducted using cages or similar. The research was mainly conducted on fish (43%) and mammals (38%). Behavioural changes were recorded in 59% of cases, physical changes in 11%, masking in 11% and combined changes in 14%. Four levels of underwater sound intensity are proposed: Environmental zone 0 (no appreciable anthropogenic pollution), from baseline level (30 dB) to 80 dB. Zone A of acceptable (low) pollution, from 81 dB to 175 dB (threshold of potential damage). Zone B of tolerable, but potentially harmful sound intensities (between 176 dB and 195 dB) and a Zone C of risk of permanent injury (above 195 dB, permanent injury threshold); vessels generating intensities at this level should be penalised or even banned. A way forward for the future regulation of underwater noise pollution is suggested, through a concerted effort via a global track derived from the UN in collaboration with specialised global and EU organisations, including the Baltic Sea registers, and legal support from the experts of the World Commission on Environmental Law. Its implementation should be carried out through the International Maritime Organization IMO).

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade ambiental interna de lojas da região central na cidade de São Carlos/SP. Foram monitorados os seguintes parâmetros: concentração e análise química de MP10 e de MP2,5, \'CO IND.2\', níveis de ruído, temperatura e umidade relativa do ar. A coleta de dados foi realizada de maneira simultânea em ambientes internos e externos de quatro lojas do centro da cidade por um período de oito horas diárias, das 9 h às 17 h. Dois pontos estavam localizados de frente para vias de grande circulação de veículos e dois no calçadão da cidade (sem trânsito de veículos). Os valores de concentração, tanto de MP10 como de MP2,5, se apresentaram, na maior parte dos dias de coleta, com os valores internos superiores aos externos. Para o período chuvoso, em que foi realizado o maior número de coletas, os valores de concentração não ultrapassaram os limites estabelecidos pela OMS, de 25 \'mü\'g/\'M POT.3\' para o MP2,5 e de 50 \'mü\'g/\'M POT.3\' para o MP10. Quanto à análise química, foi observado que não há diferenças significativas entre os ambientes interno e externo. Sendo que, em ambos os ambientes, foram encontrados Si, S, Ca, Fe, Al, K e Cu, elementos comumente observados em áreas urbanas. Em relação ao \'CO IND.2\', o seu monitoramento não se mostrou relevante, já que todos os ambientes monitorados realizavam trocas de ar com o ambiente externo de forma natural, dessa forma a concentração não atingiu valores preocupantes. Os níveis de poluição sonora monitorados no ambiente externo foram superiores aos do ambiente interno em todos os dias monitorados. Os pontos de monitoramento que ficavam direcionados para as vias de circulação de veículos apresentaram valores superiores aos encontrados no calçadão da cidade. Em todos os dias monitorados, os valores de ruído dos ambientes interno e externo não apresentaram acordo com o padrão estabelecido pela NBR 10.151/2.000, de 50 dB(A) e 60 dB(A), respectivamente. Sendo que os valores externos ficaram entre 61 dB(A) e 66,8 dB(A) e, para o ambiente interno, os valores variaram de 53,9 dB(A) a 63,6 dB(A). A temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar apresentaram variações ao longo do dia e, de acordo com a RE/ANVISA nº 09/2003 e o índice HI, a maioria dos dias monitorados sugere sensação de desconforto térmico aos ocupantes desses locais. / This study aimed to evaluate the indoor environmental quality of shops in the central region in São Carlos/SP. The following parameters were monitored: the concentration and chemical analysis of MP10 and MP2,5, \'CO IND.2\', noise levels, temperature and relative humidity. Data collection was performed simultaneously in internal and eternal environments of four stores in the center of town for period of eight hours daily, from 9 am to 5 pm. Two points were located in front of large circulation routes for vehicles and two on the sidewalk of the city (no vehicle traffic). The values concentration both PM10 and PM2,5 are presented, in most days of collection, with the internal values higher than the outside. For the rainy season, which was held in the greatest number of samples, the concentration values did not exceed the limits set by OMS of 25 \'mü\'g/\'M POT.3\' for MP2,5 and 50 \'mü\'g/\'M POT.3\' for MP10. In the chemical analyses, it was not observed significant differences between the internal and external environments, since in both environments were found Si, S, Ca, Fe, Al, Cu and K, elements commonly seen in urban areas. In relation to the \'CO IND.2\' monitoring was not relevant, since all monitored environments performed ais exchanges with the external environment in a natural way, producing values concentration not concern. The noise levels monitored in the external environment were superior to the internal environment every day. The monitoring points directed to the traffic routes of vehicles had higher values than those found on the sidewalk of the city. On each day the monitored noise vaues of the internal and external environments not presented inside of the standard established by NRB 10.151/2000 of 50 dB(A) e 60 dB(A), respectively, since external values were between 61 dB(A) and 66,8 dB(A), and the internal environment values ranged from 53,9 dB(A) and 63,6 dB(A). The temperature and relative humidity showed variations thoughout the day, and according to RE/ANVISA nº 09/2003 and the index HI, most of the days monitored suggests thermal discomfort to the occupants of these places.

The theoretical part of the diploma thesis focuses on sources of noise in stables for dairy farming. This issue also relates to welfare of cattle and the last subject to be dealt with can be called working environment in livestock production in terms of noise load. The practical part is focused on the description of technological equipment of the stables with a plan of the measured objects. The measurement of noise levels during technological operations with cattle was carried out at selected dairy cows at the workplaces of the Agricultural Cooperative of Velká Losenice. Then the work deals with measurement of the operator's noise load during the partial operations necessary to ensure the process of dairy cows breeding. At the end of the diploma thesis the processing of individual measurement results in individual operations in measured objects is presented and evaluation of the noise load.

Esse trabalho apresenta uma análise de dados dos níveis de ruído referentes à Subprefeitura de Pinheiros/SP. Foram feitas medições em quarenta pontos, divididas em três fases que puderam ser comparadas com os limites estabelecidos pela lei de zoneamento. Nos processos de levantamentos de dados elaboramos mapas que serviram de suporte tanto em decisões como posteriormente na análise/comparação destes em relação aos limites sonoros estabelecidos. Na primeira fase observou-se uma grande quantidade de pontos com valores acima de 15 dB em relação aos limites estabelecidos. Nas fases seguintes houve uma diminuição, quando comparadas a primeira. Assim obtivemos um panorama dos níveis de ruído da área de estudo e sua situação em relação à lei de zoneamento urbano da cidade de São Paulo. / This paper presents an analysis of data concerning the noise levels referring to Pinheiros Subprefecture (in São Paulo city). Measurements made in forty spots, divided in three steps that could be compared with the limits established by zoning law. In procedures for survey data were prepared maps that served as pillar in decisions as well as later in analysis/comparison of these in relation to the noise limits established. In the first phase there were large numbers of points with values above 15 dB above the limits. In later stages there was an improvement compared with the measurements of the first phase. So we got a picture of the noise levels of the study area and its situation in relation to the urban zoning law of São Paulo city.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T18:12:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marjorie Juliana Silva Grudtner.pdf: 1211380 bytes, checksum: 9287944948f7dffd336cb8b8af047767 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-11-17 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Continuous noise exposure can cause hearing effects and non-hearing. The annoyance is the one of the most important effect of noise exposure. The annoyance of exposure of noise can cause several negative responses such as anxiety, restlessness, disappointment, depression, distraction, exhaustion, dissatisfaction, anger. Purpose: To evaluate the annoyance and the others complaints by noise among taxi drivers in the city of São Paulo-SP. Method: The sample size was 153 taxi drivers. Auditory and non auditory noise effects was conducted through a questionnaire adapted, based on Ferreira (2013). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test to assess the association between the study variables and four outcomes (annoyance, stress, communication disorders and hearing loss). Cronbach s Alpha Test was used to analyze the questionnaire reliability. Results: Most taxi drivers (73.86%) makes no mention of quiet or tranquility as their place of work and 83% consider the noise of moderate to intense. 58.48% think that adds to the existing noise. The main sources of noise outside the vehicle taxi drivers were cited by the vehicle traffic, construction and trade. The adverse effects of noise, the most observed were: stress, discomfort, difficulty communicating and understanding what others say, moodiness, irritability, fatigue and tinnitus. 60% of taxi drivers think the noise can harm them in some way, and the stress (11.11%) and hearing loss (9.15%) were the most cited. To decrease the 43.14% noise suggested education and awareness of individuals. Regarding the hearing, only 32.68% think that hears the same way he heard before. Significant associations were found with the four outcomes with the following variables: the lack of attention, dizziness, moodiness, annoyance, pressure rise, tinnitus, fatigue, lack of appetite, interference with work efficiency and implementation tasks. As for the first three outcomes (annoyance, stress and communication difficulties) the variable with significance was the hearing of the change in self-perception. Variables: irritation, work efficiency, uncomfortable with loud sounds, inattention, understand what others say appeared related only to stress outcomes and difficulty communicating with others. Conclusion: annoyance, stress, difficulty communicating and self-perception of hearing loss were statistically associated with urban noise and several adverse health effects resulting from this exposure. The internal consistency (reliability) of the questionnaire used in the survey was excellent / A exposição ao ruído pode causar alterações tanto auditivas como não auditivas. Dentre os efeitos mais preocupantes desta exposição na saúde está o incômodo. O incômodo causado pelo ruído pode levar a diversas respostas negativas como a ansiedade, agitação, decepção, depressão, distração, exaustão, insatisfação, raiva. Objetivo: Verificar o incômodo e outras queixas de saúde relacionados ao ruído urbano em taxistas do município de São Paulo. Método: A amostra foi constituída por 153 taxistas. A investigação do incômodo provocado pelo ruído e outros efeitos, foi realizado por meio do questionário adaptado, baseado em Ferreira (2013). A análise estatística foi realizada pra verificar as associações entre as variáveis do estudo e os quatro desfechos (incômodo, estresse, dificuldade de comunicação e autopercepção da perda auditiva). Para a análise de confiabilidade do questionário foi utilizado do teste de Alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: A maioria dos taxistas (73,86%) não faz nenhuma menção à quietude ou tranqüilidade quanto ao seu local de trabalho e 83% considera o barulho de moderado a intenso. 58,48%acha que contribui para o ruído existente. As principais fontes de ruído externas ao veículo citadas pelos taxistas foram o tráfego de veículos, construção civil e o comércio. Quanto aos efeitos adversos do ruído, os mais observados foram: estresse, incômodo, dificuldade para se comunicar e entender o que os outros falam, mau humor, irritação, cansaço e o zumbido. 60% dos taxistas acham que o ruído pode prejudicá-los de alguma forma, sendo o estresse (11,11%) e a perda auditiva (9,15%) os mais citados. Para diminuir o ruído 43,14% sugeriram a educação e a conscientização dos indivíduos. Em relação à audição, somente 32,68% acha que ouve da mesma forma que ouvia antes. Foram encontradas associações significativas com os quatro desfechos com as seguintes variáveis: a falta de atenção, tontura, mau humor, incômodo, aumento de pressão, zumbido, cansaço, falta de apetite, interferência na eficiência do trabalho e na execução de tarefas. Enquanto para os três primeiros desfechos (incômodo, estresse e a dificuldade de comunicação) a variável com significância foi à autopercepção de alteração da audição. As variáveis: irritação, eficiência no trabalho, incômodo com sons fortes, desatenção, entender o que os outros falam apareceram associadas somente aos desfechos de estresse e dificuldade de comunicação com os outros. Conclusão: Incômodo, o estresse, a dificuldade de se comunicar e a autopercepção da perda auditiva foram estatisticamente associados com o ruído urbano e com vários efeitos adversos na saúde, decorrentes desta exposição. A consistência interna (confiabilidade) do questionário utilizado na pesquisa foi excelente

Roll containers are widely used in transportation and delivery operations due to the high level of flexibility and agility they offer to supply chains. However, there is a negative side to the application of roll containers in industry which can be removed or minimized by proper ergonomic and technical considerations. In this thesis work, the safety problems, economic issues and environmental effects associated with roll containers being used in VGR-WESTMA organization are reviewed in order to come up with alternative solutions to the current way of using old roll containers in their supply chain. The analysis of the problem resulted in ergonomic, safety and technical recommendation on using roll containers within their associated supply chain. The appropriate technical design of roll containers that fits the organization facilities are introduced with the aim of streamlining the supply chain flow within the organization. However, cost is considered as a limiting factor for this organization. Hence, proper ergonomic awareness and use of appropriate accessories to the roll containers are considered as a contemporary alternative solution to replacing roll containers being used in this supply chain.

Este estudo apresenta o diagnóstico da qualidade do ambiente interno de estabelecimentos comerciais da região central da cidade de São Carlos, localizada no interior do estado de São Paulo. Foram determinados os seguintes parâmetros: concentração mássica do material particulado em suspensão, em suas frações MP10 e MP2,5, níveis de ruído, temperatura e umidade relativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada em três locais por um período de sete horas diárias, das 10 h às 17 h. Os estabelecimentos comerciais da região central da cidade de São Carlos possuíram, em média, valores de temperatura 5,1°C maiores e de umidade relativa 35,5% menores que aqueles encontrados na estação meteorológica localizada na área rural da cidade. Foi encontrado alto coeficiente de correlação entre os dados climáticos das lojas e da estação meteorológica, indicando que o ambiente externo possui grande influência nos ambientes internos estudados. Do total dos dias amostrados, 54% foram indicados como desconfortáveis termicamente. As concentrações de MP2,5 variaram de 11,4 a 40,6 &#956g.m-3, estando acima do padrão de referência de 24 h da OMS (25 &#956g.m-3) em 35% dos dias amostrados. As concentrações de MP10 variaram de 18,4 a 85,7 &#956g.m-3, estando acima do padrão de referência de 24 h da OMS (50 &#956g.m-3) em 33% dos dias amostrados. A razão interno/externo (I/E) do material particulado foi em média de 0,82 para o MP2,5 e de 0,86 para o MP10. A concentração média das amostras de material particulado realizadas na estação seca foi 1,8 vezes maior do que das amostras realizadas na estação chuvosa para o MP10 e 1,2 vezes maior para o MP2,5. A razão MP2,5/MP10 média das amostras foi de 56%. O coeficiente de correlação entre os equipamentos utilizados para medida do material particulado foi de 0,40 para o MP2,5 e 0,53 para o MP10, sendo que as concentrações obtidas pelo equipamento contador de partículas foram em média 4,2 e 2,0 menores que as concentrações obtidas pelo equipamento gravimétrico para o MP2,5 e MP10, respectivamente. Os dados de ruído variaram de 50,6 a 67,2 dBA no ambiente interno e de 56,6 a 72,8 dBA no ambiente externo, com uma razão I/E média de 0,91. Com relação ao limite de 70 dBA estipulado pela OMS, 9% dos dias amostrados no ambiente externo ultrapassaram este valor. O ponto amostral mais ruidoso foi aquele localizado em frente à via com maior tráfego de veículos, e o menos ruidoso era localizado em frente a uma via com tráfego frequentemente congestionado. / This study presents the indoor environmental quality of stores in central São Carlos, an inner city of the state of São Paulo, in Brazil. The following parameters were monitored: mass concentration of particulate matter, in its fractions PM10 and PM2.5, noise levels, temperature and relative humidity. Data was collected in three stores in the center of town during seven hours daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The stores had, in average, temperature values 5.1 °C higherand relative umidity 35.5% lower than those observed in a weather station located in the countryside. High correlation coefficient between the climate data in the stores and in the weather station was found, indicating that the external environment has great influence in the internal environments studied. Of all samples, 54% indicated thermal discomfort. PM2.5, mass concentrations ranged from 11.4 to 40.6 &#956g.m-3, exceeding the 24 h WHO guideline (25 &#956g.m-3) in 35% of the samples. PM10 mass concentrations ranged from 18.4 to 85.7 &#956g.m-3, exceeding the 24 h WHO guideline (50 &#956g.m-3) in 33% of the samples. The average inside/outside (I/O) ratio of the particulate matter was of 0.84 for the PM2.5 and 0.88 for the PM10. Mass concentration was 1.8 times greater in the dry season than in rainy season for the PM10, and 1.2 times greater for the PM2.5. Average PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 56%. Correlation coefficient between the gravimetric and particle counter equipments used to determine PM mass concentration was of 0.40 for the PM2.5 and 0.53 for the PM10, and latter had average means 4.2 and 2.0 times smaller, for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Noise levels ranged from 50.6 to 67.2 dBA in the internal environment and 56.6 to 72.8 dBA in the external environment, with an average I/O ratio of 0.91. Concerning the 70 dBA daily exposure limit estipulated by WHO, 9% of the sampled days exceeded that value. The location with higher noise pollution was located in front of the street with higher vehicle traffic, and the one with lower noise pollution was located in a street with often congested traffic.