Evaluation of Semi-Continuous Pit Manure Recharge System Performance on Mitigation of Ammonia and Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions from a Swine Finishing Barn

Jisoo Wi,Jacek Koziel,Seunghun Lee,Myeongseong Lee,Eunjong Kim,Heekwon Ahn

doi:10.3390/atmos10040170

Jisoo Wi, Jacek Koziel + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10040170

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Journal: Atmosphere	Publication Date: Mar 30, 2019
Citations: 27	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Chungnam National University, Iowa State University

Abstract

In this research, for the first time, we present the evaluation of a semi-continuous pit manure recharge system on the mitigation of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions from a swine finisher barn. The pit recharge system is practiced on many swine farms in the Republic of Korea, primarily for improving air quality in the barn. It consists of an integrated waste management system where the fraction of stored manure is pumped out (10× of the daily production of manure, 3× a day); solids are separated and composted, while the aerobically treated liquid fraction is then returned to the pit. We compared emissions from two 240-pig rooms, one equipped with a pit recharge system, and the other operating a conventional slurry pit under the slatted floor. Mean reduction of NH3 and H2S emissions were 49 ± 6% and 82 ± 7%, respectively, over 14 days of measurements. The removal efficiency of H2S was higher than NH3, likely because the pH of aerobically treated liquid manure remained slightly above 8. More work is warranted to assess the N balance in this system and the emissions of odor and greenhouse gasses (GHGs). It is also expected that it will be possible to control the NH3 and H2S removal rates by controlling the nitrification level of the liquid manure in the aerobic treatment system.

Highlights

Gaseous and particulate matter emissions from livestock farming impact the local and regional air quality
The hourly NH3 emission rates showed a correlation with the ventilation rates of both rooms (Figure 2b)
This paper reported a significant improvement to air quality inside the barn and significantly lower emissions from the barn

Summary

Introduction

Gaseous and particulate matter emissions from livestock farming impact the local and regional air quality. Besides VOCs, gaseous emissions from livestock facilities contain gases such as ammonia (NH3 ), hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), and greenhouse gases (GHGs). NH3 is considered an environmental pollutant because when released into the atmosphere, it can cause acid rain and soil acidification [2]. The ammonia present in surface water can cause the eutrophication of rivers [3]. Ammonia can form secondary fine particulate matter (PM) in the presence of NOx or SOx. The interactions of odorous VOCs with PM are not well understood, but it is evident that PM itself can serve as a carrier of odor and that fine PM can be more odorous [4]. Researchers have discussed potential adverse effects of Atmosphere 2019, 10, 170; doi:10.3390/atmos10040170 www.mdpi.com/journal/atmosphere

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