Zeolite Amendment to Minimize Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide, and VOC Emissions

Abstract

Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from poultry facilities are a concern. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of zeolite, a lagoon or feed amendment, on ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The laboratory study was conducted using six treatments including a control with no zeolite; and 1%, 5%, 10%, 50%, and a topical sprinkle of 0.5% zeolite added. Odor, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were measured using wind tunnel technology at 5, 10, and 15 minute increments following the application of the zeolite. A human panel was used to identify hedonic tone and intensity of the six treatments after 24 hours of being treated. The hedonic tone increased 32%, and the intensity decreased 7%. VOCs and VFAs were analyzed using GC/MS to separate thirteen volatile organic compounds (VOCs); phenol, indole, skatole, p-cresol, 4-Et-phenol, acetic acid, propionic, butyric, isobutyric, valeric, isovaleric, hexionic, and 2aminoacetophenone. Addition of zeolite caused a relative decrease in the short to mid chain VFAs, and an increase in the phenolic and indolic VOCs. The results suggest a relative decrease in overall emissions of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and VFAs; but, there was an increase in offensive odor that can be attributed to the increase of VOCs.