CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOTOTROPHIC AND NON–PHOTOTROPHIC LAGOONS FOR SWINE MANURE

Abstract

Odors are a major result of inadequately sized and mismanaged anaerobic lagoons. However, purple or pinkcolored lagoons, indicating the presence of phototrophic purple bacteria, are less likely to be an odor nuisance than arenonpurple lagoons. Eight swine lagoons were studied to quantify critical parameters thought to allow purple lagoons to bea more reliable odor control alternative. Bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a), which indirectly measures the abundance ofphototrophic bacteria, was greater in purple lagoons than in nonpurple lagoons (P = 0.01). Oxidationreduction potential(ORP) was less negative for purple lagoons than for nonpurple lagoons in both spring (lagoon temperatures of 6.7.C to8.8.C) and during summer (temperatures of 22.C to 25.C), indicating conditions favoring phototrophism (P = 0.04).Dissolved oxygen levels were near zero and light penetration was minimal in all lagoons. Average sulfide concentrations ofall the lagoons were in the range of 1.6 to 6.5 mg/L, which is below the preferred range for purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) growth.Purple lagoons appeared to have lower concentrations of ammonia, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand, and electricalconductivity among the lagoons studied. Copper and zinc concentrations of all lagoons were not in the range considered tobe toxic for anaerobic bacteria. Calculated volatile solids loading rates did not explain differences in Bchl a levels in thelagoons.