Odor, Ammonia, and Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration and Emissions from Two Farrowing-Gestation Swine Operations in North Dakota

Abstract

Odor and air emissions from swine facilities are a growing public nuisance faced by animal industries across the country. Quantification of odor, ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions from swine facilities is essential to develop and implement odor abatement techniques. In this study, odor, NH3 and H2S emissions were measured bi-weekly/monthly from two sow farms (Farm-A with outdoor lagoon systems; Farm-B deep pit system) in North Dakota. Air samples were collected from exhaust fans using a vacuum chamber and Tedlar bags. Odor detection threshold values were determined using a dynamic dilution olfactometer. Ammonia and H2S concentration were measured using DrgerTM chip measurement systems (CMS) and a JeromeTM meter. Air flow rates from exhaust fans were measured using a portable thermo-anemometer and ventilation rate was determined as the summation of air flow rates of all fans.