Land Application Of Animal Waste Research Articles

Towards evaluating the conditional probability of waterborne microbial risks associated with critical rainfall events following land application of animal waste — A focus on Irish pastures

ABSTRACT Modelling surface runoff and infiltration in an agricultural watershed is essential for understanding the nutrient cycle and water quality management. This research evaluates the critical rainfall events causing maximum surface runoff and infiltration. Empirical models such as Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number and Explicit Green-Ampt (EGA) were analysed for different soil hydraulic conditions and storm events with specific return periods. The present study forecasted the maximum daily rainfall and intensity as 113.6 mm and 19.9 cm h–1, respectively, considering a 100-year return period storm. The deterministic part of the model calculates the daily maximum surface runoff as 5.51 cm (from the SCS model). The EGA model revealed that the rainfall intensity of 0.143, 0.163, 0.175, 0.179, 0.181, 0.182, and 0.182 cm h−1 (duration of 24 h) was found critical for 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 year return period of the storm, respectively in different soil texture classes (sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam, silt loam, sandy clay loam, clay loam, silty clay soils). Exceptions imply for three occasions where the intensity of 0.407 cm h−1 and duration of 18 h produced maximum infiltration for silty clay loam, and intensity of 0.352 and 0.354 cm h−1 with 9 h rainfall (each) produced maximum infiltration for clay. The probabilistic model revealed that a daily storm event probability of 2.74 × 10–5 is associated with a simulated mean runoff depth of 0.69 cm and infiltration of 20.7 cm. Critical rainfall probabilities calculated in this study can be multiplied with the overall microbial/pollutant human health risk assessment framework to calculate conditional probability and better estimate microbial risk through the drinking water pathway. This study is very relevant for the wet climatic condition of Ireland, where most land use is pastures.

A simple treatment method for phenylarsenic compounds: Oxidation by ferrate (VI) and simultaneous removal of the arsenate released with in situ formed Fe(III) oxide-hydroxide

p-Arsanilic acid (p-ASA) and roxarsone (ROX) are two major phenylarsenic feed additives that are still widely used in many countries, and the land application of animal waste containing these compounds could introduce large quantities of arsenic into the environment. In this study, we proposed a treatment scheme for animal waste that involves leaching of p-ASA/ROX out of the manure first by water, then oxidation by ferrate (Fe(VI)) and removal of the arsenate released by in situ formed Fe(III) oxide-hydroxide. The effects of solution pH, dosage of Fe(VI), solution ionic strength, and matrix species on the treatment performance were systematically evaluated. Initial solution pH values of 4.1 and 2.0 were chosen for the oxidation of p-ASA and ROX, respectively, while efficient arsenate removal could be achieved with relatively small adjustment of the final solution pH (to 4.0). The pH-dependent second-order rate constants for the reactions between ferrate and p-ASA and ROX over the pH range of 2.0–12.0 were estimated to be 7.13 × 105–2.01 × 10−1 and 8.91 × 103–1.65 × 10−1 M−1 s−1, respectively. The degradation pathways of p-ASA/ROX during ferrate oxidation were proposed based on the inorganic and organic intermediates identified. Depending on the levels of p-ASA/ROX, effective treatment could be achieved through flexible adjustment of the Fe(VI) dosage. p-ASA/ROX (10 mg-As/L) in swine manure leachate could be efficiently treated by ferrate oxidation within 5 min, with the overall arsenic removal efficiency higher than 99.2%. The treatment performance was barely affected by the presence of common ions (K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, SO42−, NO3−, and Cl−), while humic acid, Mn2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, and Co2+ inhibited p-ASA/ROX oxidation. The presence of PO43− and NH4+ could accelerate the oxidation of p-ASA/ROX, but PO43− and humic acid compromised sorptive removal of the released arsenate due to their competitive sorption on the Fe(III) oxide-hydroxide precipitate. Ferrate oxidation is green and fast, and the operation is simple, thus it could serve as a promising and environment-friendly option for mitigating the risk of phenylarsenic feed additives in animal waste.

Monitoring of soil biochemical quality parameters under greenhouse spinach cultivation through animal waste recycling

ABSTRACTUnder the intensive agricultural system, direct application of animal slurries to soils can provide a sustainable disposal of these wastes by inducing positive changes in soil quality and fertility. However, how animal wastes quantitatively affect the key nutrients (C, N, P and S) transforming soil enzymes is not clearly known. A greenhouse spinach cultivation study demonstrated that pig slurry, either in raw (RS) or processed (aerobically aged) (PS) form, significantly (p < .05) improved the enzymatic activities (phosphatase (10–36%), β-glucosidase (23–39%), urease (59–103%), nitrate reductase (73–103%) and dehydrogenase (27–72%)) and microbial growth in soil as compared to the unamended control. However, it did not significantly (p > .05) alter the aryl sulphatase enzyme activity. Slurry applications also significantly improved the macro (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) uptake by spinach plant and hence the yield (2.9–3.38 times higher than control). Similarly, compared to chemical fertilisers the application of pig slurries improved soil biological and biochemical parameters as well as plant nutrients uptake. This study demonstrated the closing of global energy and nutrient cycles through land application of animal wastes without compromising the crop yield.

Interactive effects of sulfadiazine and Cu(II) on their sorption and desorption on two soils with different characteristics

Antibiotics and heavy metals often coexist in soils due to land application of animal wastes and other sources of inputs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the interaction of Cu(II) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) regarding to their sorption and desorption on Brown soil (BS, luvisols) and Red soil (RS, Udic Ferrosols) using batch experiments. The presence of Cu(II) significantly enhanced sorption of SDZ on BS at pH>5.0, and this trend increased with increasing pH, which was mainly ascribed to the formation of ternary complexes of Cu–SDZ–soil and/or SDZ–Cu–soil. In contrast, Cu(II) only slightly increased SDZ sorption on RS at pH<5.0 due to the decrease of equilibrium solution pH, whereas it hardly affected SDZ sorption at pH>5.0 because RS had high oxides contents and low affinity for Cu(II). In addition, Cu(II) inhibited SDZ desorption from BS but promoted SDZ desorption from RS, which was related to their different sorption mechanisms. The presence of SDZ exerted no significant effect on the sorption of Cu(II) on the two soils at pH<6.5 because of its low sorption coefficients (Kd), while slightly decreased Cu(II) sorption at pH>6.5 by forming water-soluble complexes. Furthermore, SDZ had little effect on Cu(II) desorption from the two soils at natural pH. These results indicate that soil characteristics strongly influence the interactions of Cu(II) and SDZ on their sorption and desorption on soils.

Soil Physicochemical Properties after 10 Years of Animal Waste Application

Application of animal waste to cropland provides a method of waste disposal and benefits both soil and crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effects of land application of animal waste and inorganic fertilizer on selected soil chemical and physical properties. The animal waste applications were conducted from 1999 through 2008 near Tribune, KS, with 10 treatments (three levels each of cattle manure and swine effluent [P, N, and 2N], three levels of N fertilizer, and a control). Soil chemical and physical properties were measured to evaluate the effect of 10 yr of application of these treatments. Cattle manure application at the 2N level increased Mehlich‐3 P, total N, total C, and organic matter (OM) concentrations to about 19, 2.8, 2.5, and 2.5 times, respectively, compared with those of the untreated check. Physical properties of the soil such as water content at −1.5 MPa, modulus of rupture, Proctor maximum bulk density, and optimum water content for compaction improved with the application of cattle manure. Highly significant relationships (P &lt; 0.001) were observed between soil OM and soil water content at −1.5 MPa, both Proctor maximum and field bulk densities, optimum water content for compaction, and steady‐state infiltration rate. Cattle manure treatments improved soil resistance to compaction, largely due to the additional OM that builds in soil with the application of cattle manure.

Laccase mediated transformation of 17β-estradiol in soil

It is known that 17β-estradiol (E2) can be transformed by reactions mediated by some oxidoreductases such as laccase in water. Whether or how such reactions can happen in soil is however unknown although they may significantly impact the environmental fate of E2 that is introduced to soil by land application of animal wastes. We herein studied the reaction of E2 in a model soil mediated by laccase, and found that the reaction behaviors differ significantly from those in water partly because of the dramatic difference in laccase stability. We also examined E2 transformation in soil using 14C-labeling in combination with soil organic matter extraction and size exclusion chromatography, which indicated that applied 14C radioactivity was preferably bound to humic acids. The study provides useful information for understanding the environmental fate of E2 and for developing a novel soil remediation strategy via enzyme-enhanced humification reactions.

Photodegradation of veterinary ionophore antibiotics under UV and solar irradiation.

The veterinary ionophore antibiotics (IPAs) are extensively used as coccidiostats and growth promoters and are released to the environment via land application of animal waste. Due to their propensity to be transported with runoff, IPAs likely end up in surface waters where they are subject to photodegradation. This study is among the first to investigate the photodegradation of three commonly used IPAs, monensin (MON), salinomycin (SAL) and narasin (NAR), under UV and solar irradiation. Results showed that MON was persistent in a deionized (DI) water matrix when exposed to UV and sunlight, whereas SAL and NAR could undergo direct photolysis with a high quantum yield. Water components including nitrate and dissolved organic matter had a great impact on the photodegradation of IPAs. A pseudosteady state kinetic model was successfully applied to predict IPAs' photodegradation rates in real water matrices. Applying LC/MS/MS, multiple photolytic transformation products of IPAs were observed and their structures were proposed. The direct photolysis of SAL and NAR occurred via cleavage on the ketone moiety and self-sensitized photolysis. With the presence of nitrate, MON was primarily degraded by hydroxyl radicals, whereas SAL showed reactivity toward both hydroxyl and nitrogen-dioxide radicals. Additionally, toxicity tests showed that photodegradation of SAL eliminated its antibiotic properties against Bacillus subtilis.

Fate and Transport of Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Soil and Runoff Following Land Application of Swine Manure Slurry

Due to the use of antimicrobials in livestock production, residual antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) could enter the environment following the land application of animal wastes and could further contaminate surface and groundwater. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of various manure land application methods on the fate and transport of antimicrobials and ARGs in soil and runoff following land application of swine manure slurry. Swine manure slurries were obtained from facilities housing pigs that were fed chlortetracyline, tylosin or bacitracin and were land applied via broadcast, incorporation, and injection methods. Three rainfall simulation tests were then performed on amended and control plots. Results show that land application methods had no statistically significant effect on the aqueous concentrations of antimicrobials in runoff. However, among the three application methods tested broadcast resulted in the highest total mass loading of antimicrobials in runoff from the three rainfall simulation tests. The aqueous concentrations of chlortetracyline and tylosin in runoff decreased in consecutive rainfall events, although the trend was only statistically significant for tylosin. For ARGs, broadcast resulted in significantly higher erm genes in runoff than did incorporation and injection methods. In soil, the effects of land application methods on the fate of antimicrobials in top soil were compound specific. No clear trend was observed in the ARG levels in soil, likely because different host cells may respond differently to the soil environments created by various land application methods.

Acid-Catalyzed Transformation of Ionophore Veterinary Antibiotics: Reaction Mechanism and Product Implications

Ionophore antibiotics (IPAs) are polyether antimicrobials widely used in the livestock industry and may enter the environment via land application of animal waste and agricultural runoff. Information is scarce regarding potential transformation of IPAs under environmental conditions. This study is among the first to identify the propensity of IPAs to undergo acid-catalyzed transformation in mildly acidic aquatic systems and characterize the reactions in depth. The study focused on the most widely used monensin (MON) and salinomycin (SAL), and also included narasin (NAR) in the investigation. All three IPAs are susceptible to acid-catalyzed transformation. MON reacts much more slowly than SAL and NAR and exhibits a different kinetic behavior that is further evaluated by a reversible reaction kinetic model. Extensive product characterization identifies that the spiro-ketal group of IPAs is the reactive site for the acid-catalyzed hydrolytic transformation, yielding predominantly isomeric and other products. Toxicity evaluation of the transformation products shows that the products retain some antimicrobial properties. The occurrence of IPAs and isomeric transformation products is also observed in poultry litter and agricultural runoff samples. Considering the common presence of mildly acidic environments (pH 4-7) in soils and waters, the acid-catalyzed transformation identified in this study likely plays an important role in the environmental fate of IPAs.

Nutrient impact on the Bocheung watershed by land application of the treated animal waste

Land application of animal waste is the most common and usually the most desirable method of utilizing manure and wastewater because of the value of the nutrients and organic matter. Land application of animal waste should be planned to ensure that the proper amount of nutrients are applied in a manner which does not adversely impact the environment or endanger public health. This study was conducted to defi ne the optimum amount and concentration of animal waste fertilizer considering the watershed impact and public health. A field test bed has been built to perform several loading conditions of animal waste land application. Fromthe field test, the runoff ratio of nutrients such as TN and TP from DM (dried manual) is 29% of surface runoff and 7.0% of groundwater, whereas the one of LF (liquid fertilizer) is 1.5% of surface and 79% of groundwater. In addition, the nitrogen concentration in surface runoff from LF decreases much faster than DF. Using the runoff ratio of nutrients obtained from the field test, SWAT simulations for a real watershed were carried out to evaluate the impact of land application of animal waste on the water environment with the different loading scenarios. Although the different loading scenarios are simulated, very little change in the water qualities in the channel is observed. Thus, most of the nutrients added by DM and LF into the cultivated area seem to disappear or become consumed in the soil and very limited amount of nutrients reaches to the channel. To explore this situation, further research will be necessary.

Estrogenicity and Nutrient Concentration of Surface Waters Surrounding a Large Confinement Dairy Operation Using Best Management Practices for Land Application of Animal Wastes

The impact of a confinement dairy operation (>2000 head) using best management practices for land application of animal wastes, on estrogenic activity (E-Screen), estrogens, and nutrients of associated surface waters and tile drain runoff were evaluated. Farm tile drain and creek samples were collected from the drainage region: above and below a municipal wastewater treatment plant located upstream from the dairy; and downstream from animal housing, parlor, and fields receiving applied wastes. Fifty-four thousand tons of waste (from approximately 1000 milking head) were applied to approximately 809 ha from April to July. Maximum estradiol equivalents (E(2)Eqs) present in tile drain samples (<or=0.257 ng/L) were 2-fold maximum creek E(2)Eqs, but only 25% of the proposed no observable effect concentration for E(2) (1 ng/L). Relative manure slurry estrogen concentrations were estrone >17alpha-E(2) > 17beta-E(2). Creek nutrient concentrations were similar above and below the dairy, with higher concentrations found in tile drain samples: tile ammonia ranged from <0.05 to 0.70 mg/L, nitrate/ite from 1.2 to 14 mg/L, and total phosphorus from 0.04 to 0.34 mg/L. No differences in estrogenic activity or nitrate/ite, ammonia, and phosphorus concentrations were detected in surface waters downstream of a large confinement dairy facility and measured nutrients were within regional norms.

Transport and Modeling of Estrogenic Hormones in a Dairy Farm Effluent through Undisturbed Soil Lysimeters

The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including estrone (E1) and 17beta-estradiol (E2), in surface waters has been associated with physiological dysfunction in a number of aquatic organisms. One source of surface and groundwater contamination with E1 and E2 is the land application of animal wastes. The processes involved in the transport of these hormones in the soil, when applied with animal wastes, are still unclear. Therefore, a field-transport experiment was carried out, where a dairy farm effluent spiked with E1 and E2 was applied on large (50 cm diameter and 70 cm depth) undisturbed soil lysimeters. The concentrations of E1 and E2 in the leachate were monitored over a 3-month period, during which irrigation was applied. The experimental data suggest that E1 and E2 were transported through preferential/macropore flow pathways. The data from the experiment also show that E1 and E2 are leached earlier than the inert tracer (bromide). This observation can be explained either by the presence of antecedent concentrations in the soil or by an enhanced transport of E1 and E2 through the soil. A state-space mixing-cell model was further developed in order to describe the transport of E1 and E2 by three transport processes in parallel. The inverse modeling of the leaching data did not support the hypothesis that antecedent concentrations of estrogens could be responsible for the observed breakthrough curves but confirmed that estrogens were transported mainly via preferential/macropore flow and also via an enhanced transport. The parameter values that characterized this enhanced transport strongly suggest that this enhanced transport is mediated by colloids. For the first time, the simultaneous transport of E1 and E2 was modeled under transient conditions, taking into account the advection-dispersion, preferential/macropore flow, and colloidal-enhanced transport processes as well as E1 and E2 dissipation in the soil. These findings have major implications in terms of management practices to decrease E1 and E2 transport and water contamination.

Fate and Transport of Antibiotic Residues and Antibiotic Resistance Genes following Land Application of Manure Waste

Antibiotics are used in animal livestock production for therapeutic treatment of disease and at subtherapeutic levels for growth promotion and improvement of feed efficiency. It is estimated that approximately 75% of antibiotics are not absorbed by animals and are excreted in waste. Antibiotic resistance selection occurs among gastrointestinal bacteria, which are also excreted in manure and stored in waste holding systems. Land application of animal waste is a common disposal method used in the United States and is a means for environmental entry of both antibiotics and genetic resistance determinants. Concerns for bacterial resistance gene selection and dissemination of resistance genes have prompted interest about the concentrations and biological activity of drug residues and break-down metabolites, and their fate and transport. Fecal bacteria can survive for weeks to months in the environment, depending on species and temperature, however, genetic elements can persist regardless of cell viability. Phylogenetic analyses indicate antibiotic resistance genes have evolved, although some genes have been maintained in bacteria before the modern antibiotic era. Quantitative measurements of drug residues and levels of resistance genes are needed, in addition to understanding the environmental mechanisms of genetic selection, gene acquisition, and the spatiotemporal dynamics of these resistance genes and their bacterial hosts. This review article discusses an accumulation of findings that address aspects of the fate, transport, and persistence of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in natural environments, with emphasis on mechanisms pertaining to soil environments following land application of animal waste effluent.

Impact of Animal Waste Application on Runoff Water Quality in Field Experimental Plots

Animal waste from dairy and poultry operations is an economical and commonly used fertilizer in the state of Louisiana. The application of animal waste to pasture lands not only is a source of fertilizer, but also allows for a convenient method of waste disposal. The disposal of animal wastes on land is a potential nonpoint source of water degradation. Water degradation and human health is a major concern when considering the disposal of large quantities of animal waste. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of animal waste application on biological (fecal coliform, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli) and physical/chemical (temperature, pH, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, phosphate, copper, zinc, and sulfate) characteristics of runoff water in experimental plots. The effects of the application of animal waste have been evaluated by utilizing experimental plots and simulated rainfall events. Samples of runoff water were collected and analyzed for fecal coliforms. Fecal coliforms isolated from these samples were identified to the species level. Chemical analysis was performed following standard test protocols. An analysis of temperature, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, iron, copper, phosphate, potassium, sulfate, zinc and bacterial levels was performed following standard test protocols as presented in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater [1]. In the experimental plots, less time was required in the tilled broiler litter plots for the measured chemicals to decrease below the initial pre-treatment levels. A decrease of over 50% was noted between the first and second rainfall events for sulfate levels. This decrease was seen after only four simulated rainfall events in tilled broiler litter plots whereas broiler litter plots required eight simulated rainfall events to show this same type of reduction. A reverse trend was seen in the broiler litter plots and the tilled broiler plots for potassium. Bacteria numbers present after the simulated rainfall events were above 200/100 ml of sample water. It can be concluded that: 1) non-point source pollution has a significant effect on bacterial and nutrients levels in runoff water and in water resources; 2) land application of animal waste for soil fertilization makes a significant contribution to water pollution; 3) the use of tilling can significantly reduce the amount of nutrients available in runoff water.

Leaching of bacterial indicators of faecal contamination through four New Zealand soils

Land application of animal waste can result in bacterial contamination of shallow groundwater and/or waterways. Using 500-mm-diameter barrel lysimeters, we investigated the potential for bacterial indicators to leach through 4 New Zealand soils treated with dairy shed effluent (DSE). DSE was applied to soil lysimeters containing poorly drained Gley Soils (Te Kowhai and Netherton) and well-drained Allophanic (Waihou) and Pumice Soils (Atiamuri) at 50 mm/h, a typical field application rate used by farmers. Simulated rainfall was applied continuously at a rate of 5–10 mm/h, and leachate collected at a depth of 700 or 750 mm was analysed for faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and faecal enterococci. Bacterial indicators of faecal contamination readily moved through the Te Kowhai and Netherton soils, but not the Waihou and Atiamuri soils. Differential microbial movement was attributed to differences in soil structure. The poorly drained soils have coarse subsoil structures with macropores, favouring bypass flow. In contrast, the welldrained soils have a finer, more uniformly porous soil structure that minimised bypass flow and allowed matrix flow.

Ammonia Volatilization from Tall Fescue Pastures Fertilized with Broiler Litter

AbstractAmmonia (NH3) volatilization is an important and often overlooked component of the N budget in many agricultural systems involving land application of animal wastes. We quantified the amount and rate of NH3 volatilization from broiler litter applied to established tall fescue pastures (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Study sites were located in the Coastal Plain (Alabama), Piedmont (Georgia), and Cumberland Plateau (Tennessee) Major Land Resource Areas (MLRA) of the southeast USA. Litter was applied to supply 70 kg of available N ha−1 based on equations developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Measurements of NH3‐N volatilization were taken using a micrometeorological, field‐scale technique for 14 d immediately following litter application during the spring of 1995 and 1996. Ammonia flux for the study period ranged from 3.7 to 10.6 kg N ha−1 in 1995, and from 3.5 to 8.0 kg N ha−1 in 1996. A sharp increase in volatilization rate occurred 1 to 3 d after litter application at all three sites in both years. However, volatilization rates rapidly decreased to normal levels within 10 d. Volatilization rates peaked at 2.8 kg NH3‐N ha−1 d−1 in 1995 and 2.2 kg NH3‐N ha−1 d−1 in 1996. Overall, N losses due to NH3 volatilization were less than expected based on previous studies. These data suggest that for these conditions, NH3 volatilization was a relatively minor component of the N cycle and was not a major pathway for N loss.