SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC NOISE ON VEGETATION PHYSIOLOGY, FLORA DIVERSITY, AND SOUNDSCAPE QUALITY IN URBAN GREEN SPACES
Fahrudin Ahmad* (a), Ari Endang jayati (a), Ferry Firmawan (b), Roni Kartika Pramuyanti (a)

a) Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia
b) Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of traffic induced noise on vegetation physiology, flora diversity, and soundscape quality within urban green spaces in the Simpang Lima area of Semarang City. Noise measurements were conducted using a Type 1 Sound Level Meter (SLM), complemented by acoustic calibration and continuous monitoring using Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs). Vegetation parameters including plant height, DBH, and chlorophyll index (SPAD) were assessed, while flora diversity was quantified through quadrat sampling and the Shannon-Wiener index (H^). Soundscape quality was evaluated using acoustic indices (ADI, AR, AE), and spatial patterns of Leq were modelled using ordinary kriging interpolation.
Results revealed a pronounced spatial gradient of noise, with the highest Leq recorded in Zone 1 (82.3 dBA) and the lowest in Zone 3 (65-67 dBA). Elevated noise levels were strongly associated with reductions in chlorophyll index (r = -0.876- p < 0.01), vegetative growth, and flora diversity. Zones with lower noise exposure exhibited richer biotic acoustic activity and higher diversity indices. Spatial modelling further identified noise hotspots that overlapped with areas of vegetation degradation.
These findings demonstrate that chronic traffic noise acts as a substantial ecological stressor, affecting plant physiological performance, community composition, and acoustic habitat quality. The study underscores the importance of integrating noise mapping, vegetation structure analysis, and soundscape assessments into urban green space planning and ecological management.

Keywords: traffic noise- vegetation physiology- flora diversity- soundscape- spatial modelling- kriging

Topic: Governance, Policy, and Education of Coastal Area