Abstract
HighlightsAnnual average PM10 (daily) and PM2.5 (hourly) concentrations of 509 ±203 and 43.3 ±36.1 µg m-3, respectively.Significant seasonal and diurnal variations in PM concentrations; higher in colder seasons and during daytime.Annual average PM10 (daily) and PM2.5 (hourly) emission rates of 17.9 ±9.6 and 1.41 ±1.53 mg d-1 hen-1, respectively.Significant diurnal variations in PM emission rates but inconsistent seasonal variations; higher during daytime.Abstract. Particulate matter (PM) concentration and emission rate information is needed to assess air quality concerns and environmental impacts related to egg production. Many egg layer buildings were retrofitted from high-rise to manure-belt houses over the past few decades. However, no studies have reported these PM data for the retrofitted layer houses. In this study, concentrations and emission rates of PM10 and PM2.5 were continuously monitored for 12 months at two commercial retrofitted manure-belt layer houses in the Midwestern U.S. The average daily mean PM10 and average hourly mean PM2.5 concentrations in the houses were 509 ±203 µg m-3 and 43.3 ±36.1 µg m-3, respectively. Significant seasonal and diurnal variations in PM concentrations were observed, with higher concentrations in colder seasons and during daytime. The average daily mean PM10 and average hourly mean PM2.5 emission rates from the two houses were 17.9 ±9.6 mg d-1 hen-1 and 1.41 ±1.53 mg d-1 hen-1, respectively. There were no consistent patterns in seasonal variations. Significant diurnal variations were also observed for PM emission rates, with higher PM emission rates observed during daytime. The PM concentrations were significantly correlated with ambient temperature, ventilation rate, bird age, egg production, daily mortality, and feed conversion ratio, while PM emission rates were significantly correlated with ambient temperature, bird age, bird mass, egg mass, and ventilation rate. Keywords: Diurnal variation, Dust, Egg production, PM, Poultry, Seasonal variation.
Published Version
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