COMPARISON OF AIR QUALITY AND NOISE POLLUTION BETWEEN TWO SLOVENIAN REGIONS

 

DOWNLOAD DOI: 10.62897/COS2025.3-1.201

Melani Potrč*, Uroš Barać, Marko Gosak, Eva Klemenčič, and Klemen Tršinar
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
melani.potrc@student.um.si

Abstract: Industry and increasing traffic congestion significantly affect the quality of the living environment in many parts of Slovenia. Residents in these areas are often exposed to elevated noise levels and air pollution, consisting of a complex mixture of gases and particulate matter. Long-term exposure to these factors is associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as cardiovascular diseases, and can also impact brain function, skin and eyes. Exposure to noise above 55 dB can cause sleep disturbances, reduce concentration, and increase stress and anxiety. This study compared air quality and noise pollution in two industrially significant towns, Naklo (Upper Carniola) and Ptuj (Styria). Both towns are recognized as industrial areas located in close proximity to residential areas. Noise levels and particle number concentrations were measured using portable sensors during weekdays and working hours to assess environmental conditions and their potential impact on the local population. Elevated noise levels and the presence of particulate matter of varying sizes were observed in both towns. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding regional differences in air and noise pollution. It also underscores the need for sustainable industrial practices and careful spatial planning, which can help improve the quality of life in urban areas and surrounding industrial zones. 

 

REFERENCES

  • Adegboye O.A., Alele F.O., Castellanos M.E., Pak A., Emeto T.I., 2023, Editorial: Environmental stressors, multi-hazards and their impact on health. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1231955.
  • Adza W.K., Hursthouse A.S., Miller J., Boakye D., 2023, Exploring links between road traffic noise, air quality and public health using DPSEAA conceptual framework: a review and perspective for a UK environmental health tracking system (EHTS). Environment Development and Sustainability, 26(3), 5579–5605.
  • Altıntop B.S., Işıklar Alptekin G., 2024, Influence of Industrial Activity and Urban Growth on Noise and Air Quality: A Case Study of Çorlu. Transactions on Computer Science and Applications, 1(2), 71–77.
  • Bai L., Wang J., Ma X., Lu H., 2018, Air Pollution Forecasts: An Overview. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(4), 780.
  • Cacciatore S., Mao S., Nuñez M.V., Massaro C., Spadafora L., Bernardi M., Perone F., Sabouret P., BiondiZoccai G., Banach M., Calvani R., Tosato M., Marzetti E., Landi F., 2025, Urban health inequities and healthy longevity: traditional and emerging risk factors across the cities and policy implications. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 37(1), 143.
  • Chen F., Zhang W., Mfarrej M.F.B., Saleem M.H., Khan K.A., Ma J., Raposo A., Han H., 2024, Breathing in danger: Understanding the multifaceted impact of air pollution on health impacts. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 280, 116532.
  • Ivan P., Schwarz M., Mikušová M., 2025, Assessment of Health Risks Associated with PM10 and PM2.5 Air Pollution in the City of Zvolen and Comparison with Selected Cities in the Slovak Republic. Environments, 12(7), 212.
  • Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy, 2025, Uredba o mejnih vrednostih kazalcev hrupa vokolju, https://pisrs.si/pregledPredpisa?id=URED9432, accessed 28.04.2026.
  • Münzel T., Steven S., Frenis K., Lelieveld J., Hahad O., Daiber A., 2020, Environmental Factors Such as Noise and Air Pollution and Vascular Disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 33(9), 581–601.
  • Park S.H., Lee P.J., 2026, Effects of noise on health-related quality of life: The roles of outdoor noise, indoor noise, and noise sensitivity. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 36(2), 398–408.
  • Viegas S., Faria T., 2015, Occupational exposure to particles in slaughterhouses. Toxicology Letters, 238(2), S125.

Connection

E-mail address: cos@sze.hu