A Hybrid Intelligent Noise Pollution Prediction Model Based on ANFIS and Nature-Inspired Algorithms

In developing countries, researches in the areas of epidemiology, urban planning and environmental issues, it is extremely difficult to predict urban noise level in the neighborhoods. The majority of the noise-predicting algorithms in use today have limitations when it comes to prediction of noise level changes during intra-urban development and hence, the resulting noise pollution. Two hybrid noise prediction models, including ANFIS and PSO; and ANFIS and GA, were developed for Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality and their performances were evaluated by applying statistical indicators. These hybrids were created to supplement and improve ANFIS's shortcomings based on their respective strengths and capabilities. To compare the performances of the models, statistical indicators were used; ANFIS-PSO performed better than the ANFIS-GA. The indications show the disparities, with the RMSE of ANFIS-PSO being 0.8789 and that of ANFIS-GA being 1.0529. Moreover, the Standard Deviation and Mean Square Error of ANFIS-PSO are 0.8898 and 0.7725 respectively, then those of ANFIS-GA are 1.0660 and 1.1086 respectively. A map showing the distribution of the predicted noise levels was produced from the outcome of the ANFIS-PSO model. Comparing the predicted noise levels to the EPA standards, it was observed that there is a danger which means people living in that area with noise levels above 65 dB are at high risk of health effects.