Swine Manure Lagoon Research Articles

Reconstructing the historical expansion of industrial swine production from Landsat imagery

In the USA, historical data on the period over which industrial swine farms have operated are usually only available at the county scale and released every 5 years via the USDA Census of Agriculture, leaving the history of the swine industry and its potential legacy effects on the environment poorly understood. We developed a changepoint-based workflow that recreates the construction timelines of swine farms, specifically by identifying the construction years of swine manure lagoons from historical Landsat 5 imagery for the period of 1984 to 2012. The study focused on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, a major pork-producing state in the USA. The algorithm successfully predicted the year of swine waste lagoon construction (+ /− 1 year) with an accuracy of approximately 94% when applied to the study area. By estimating the year of construction of 3405 swine waste lagoons in NC, we increased the resolution of available information on the expansion of swine production from the county scale to spatially-explicit locations. We further analyzed how the locations of swine waste lagoons changed in proximity to water resources over time, and found a significant increase in swine waste lagoon distances to the nearest water feature across the period of record.

Metagenomic analysis of microbiota structure evolution in phytoremediation of a swine lagoon wastewater

Pytoremediation was studied in this project to treat swine manure lagoon wastewater characteristic of high concentrations of organic carbon, ammonium (N) and phosphorus (P). The impacts of introducing exogenous microalgae Chlorella into the lagoon wastewater on the removal of major nutrients and the transformation of the native wastewater microbiota structure were explored under two phytoremediation modes (shake flask and CO2-air bubbling). The results showed that the inoculation of microalgae could significantly enhance N and P removal. Metagenomic analysis of the native microbiota composition in the wastewater affected by algae inoculation revealed that a substantial population of algicidal bacteria was developed in the shake flask system, while in the CO2-air bubbling system, a niche for more mutualistic bacteria was created, which benefited the maximal algal growth with the simultaneous optimal N and P removal. To our knowledge, this study presents, the first reported case of applying metagenomic approach to a phytoremediation system treating real swine lagoon wastewater.

Improving estimates of N and P loads in irrigation water from swine manure lagoons

The implementation of nutrient management plans for confined animal feeding operations requires recording N and P loads from land-applied manure, including nutrients applied in irrigation water from manure treatment lagoons. By regulation, lagoon irrigation water nutrient records in Mississippi must be based on at least one lagoon water nutrient analysis annually. Research in Mississippi has shown that N and P levels in lagoon water, and the N:P ratio, vary significantly through the year. Nutrient estimates based on one annual analysis do not account for this variability and may overestimate or underestimate N and P loads. The present study reports an improved method to more precisely estimate N and P loads in irrigation water from swine manure lagoons. The method is based on predictable annual cycles of N and P levels in lagoon water and employs simple curve-fitting of lagoon-specific formulas derived by analyses of historical data. Similarity of curves from analyses of Mississippi lagoons and other lagoon studies suggests that the method can be applied using the often limited nutrient data for a lagoon to more precisely estimate seasonal shifts of N and P and to improve the precision of estimates for N and P in irrigation water. Although the present study focused on swine manure lagoons in the southern US, recognition that the annual N cycle in lagoon water is temperature driven, suggests that additional research incorporating temperature into future models could extend these models to other types of waste treatment lagoons and climates.

Investigations on tetracycline resistance in commensal Escherichia coli isolates from swine

The distribution of tetracycline resistance in commensal E. coli strains, isolated from pigs at different stages of production system was investigated in four Bulgarian swine farms. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance and particularly tetracycline resistance, as well as two tetracycline resistance genes were evaluated in Escherichia coli isolates from swine faeces and manure lagoons. A total of 109 E. coli isolates from 116 faecal samples and 7 samples from manure lagoons were tested by disk diffusion method to determine resistance patterns to 10 antimicrobial agents. Tetracycline resistance was determined by disk diffusion method, micro-broth dilution method and qPCR. About 83% of the E. coli isolates from swine were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents, respectively. The highest resistance observed in swine E. coli isolates was that to tetracycline (75.2%). The resistant E. coli isolates to tetracycline were examined for the presence of tet genes: tet (A) and tet (B). The most commonly identified tet gene was tet (A), which was found in 96.4% of swine and manure lagoon isolates.

Using broiler litter and swine manure lagoon effluent in sawdust-based swine mortality composts: Effects on nutrients, bacteria, and gaseous emissions

Disposition of mortalities challenges confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), especially sow (farrowing) farms, which experience mortalities daily. Regulations and transportation costs may preclude incineration, landfill burial, and rendering; therefore, swine CAFOs in Mississippi in the Mid-South U.S. often compost mortalities. In this study, a farm-standard composting mix of sawdust (S) and water (W) was compared with mixes where N was supplied by broiler litter (L) and water was replaced with swine lagoon effluent (E). The objective was to assess the effects of these manure byproducts: 1) on nutrients and bacteria in composts destined for land application; and 2) on emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases. Three replications of four mixes (SW, SLW, SE, SLE) were compared in microcosms comprising modified plastic recycling bins. The experiment was repeated three times in different seasons in one year. Mixes were compared for differences in temperature, water content, nutrients (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn), bacteria (Gram−, Gram+, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli), and emissions (NH3, CO2, CH4, N2O). Litter addition increased composting temperatures initially and after aerations; increased nutrient concentrations, except C, in start mixes and all except C and N, in finish mixes; increased Gram+ bacteria, Salmonella, and E. coli in start mixes, but only Gram+s in finish mixes; and increased emissions. Effluent addition increased early composting temperatures; had no effect on nutrients or bacteria, except increased C. perfringens in start, but not finish mixes; and had no effect on emissions. Nutrients in finish composts did not differ among mixes for N (average 3.3%), but litter composts had more P and K, and lower N:P than composts without litter. Improving mortality composting is of global importance as increasing livestock populations and intensive animal production systems require practical, safe, environmentally sound disposal of carcasses.

A new sampler for stratified lagoon chemical and microbiological assessments

A sampler was needed for a spatial and temporal study of microbial and chemical stratification in a large swine manure lagoon that was known to contain zoonotic bacteria. Conventional samplers were limited to collections of surface water samples near the bank or required a manned boat. A new sampler was developed to allow simultaneous collection of multiple samples at different depths, up to 2.3m, without a manned boat. The sampler was tethered for stability, used remote control (RC) for sample collection, and accommodated rapid replacement of sterile tubing modules and sample containers. The sampler comprised a PVC pontoon with acrylic deck and watertight enclosures, for a 12 VDC gearmotor, to operate the collection module, and vacuum system, to draw samples into reusable autoclavable tubing and 250-mL bottles. Although designed primarily for water samples, the sampler was easily modified to collect sludge. The sampler held a stable position during deployment, created minimal disturbance in the water column, and was readily cleaned and sanitized for transport. The sampler was field tested initially in a shallow fresh water lake and subsequently in a swine manure treatment lagoon. Analyses of water samples from the lagoon tests showed that chemical and bacterial levels, pH, and EC did not differ between 0.04, 0.47, and 1.0m depths, but some chemical and bacterial levels differed between winter and spring collections. These results demonstrated the utility of the sampler and suggested that future manure lagoon studies employ fewer or different depths and more sampling dates.

Temporal flux and spatial dynamics of nutrients, fecal indicators, and zoonotic pathogens in anaerobic swine manure lagoon water

Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) often use anaerobic lagoons for manure treatment. In the USA, swine CAFO lagoon water is used for crop irrigation that is regulated by farm-specific nutrient management plans (NMPs). Implementation of stricter US environmental regulations in 2013 will set soil P limits; impacting land applications of manure and requiring revision of NMPs. Precise knowledge of lagoon water quality is needed for formulating NMPs, for understanding losses of N and C in ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions, and for understanding risks of environmental contamination by fecal bacteria, including zoonotic pathogens. In this study we determined year-round levels of nutrients and bacteria from swine CAFO lagoon water. Statistical analysis of data for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), inorganic and organic C, total N, water-soluble and total minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, and Zn) and bacteria (Escherichia coli, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., and staphylococci) showed that all differed significantly by dates of collection. During the irrigation season, levels of total N decreased by half and the N:P ratio changed from 9.7 to 2.8. Some seasonal differences were correlated with temperature. Total N and inorganic C increased below 19 °C, and decreased above 19 °C, consistent with summer increases in ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions. Water-soluble Cu, Fe, and Zn increased with higher summer temperatures while enterococci and zoonotic pathogens (Campylobacter, Listeria, and Salmonella) decreased. Although their populations changed seasonally, the zoonotic pathogens were present year-round. Increasing levels of E. coli were statistically correlated with increasing pH. Differences between depths were also found. Organic C, total nutrients (C, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, N, P, and Zn) and C. perfringens were higher in deeper samples, indicating stratification of these parameters. No statistical interactions were found between collection dates and depths.

Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Profiles of Anaerobic Swine Lagoon Effluent

Although land application of swine (Sus scrofa) manure lagoon effluent is a common and effective method of disposal, the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, both pathogenic and commensal can complicate already understood issues associated with its safe disposal. The aim of this study was to assess antibiotic resistance in swine lagoon bacteria from sow, nursery, and finisher farms in the southeastern United States. Effluents from 37 lagoons were assayed for the presence of Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Listeria, and Salmonella. Antibiotic resistance profiles were determined by the Kirby-Bauer swab method for 12 antibiotics comprising eight classes. Statistical analyses indicated that farm type influenced the amount and type of resistance, with nurseries and sow farms ranking as most influential, perhaps due to use of more antibiotic treatments. Finisher farms tended to have the least amount of antibiotic class resistance, signaling an overall healthier market pig, and less therapeutic or prophylactic antibiotic use. Many bacterial isolates were resistant to penicillin, cephalosporin, and tetracycline class antibiotics, while nearly all were susceptible to quinolone antibiotics. It appeared that swine farm type had a significant association with the amount of resistance associated with bacterial genera sampled from the lagoons; nurseries contributed the largest amount of bacterial resistance.

Characterization of Selected Nutrients and Bacteria from Anaerobic Swine Manure Lagoons on Sow, Nursery, and Finisher Farms in the Mid‐South USA

Swine (Sus scrofa domestica) production in the Mid-South USA comprises sow, nursery, and finisher farms. A 2007 packing plant closure started a regional shift from finisher to sow and nursery farms. Changes in manure stored in lagoons and land-applied as fertilizer were expected but were unknown because nutrient and bacterial levels had not been characterized by farm type. The objectives of this study were to quantify selected nutrients and bacteria, compare levels by farm types, and project impacts of production shifts. Nutrients and bacteria were characterized in 17 sow, 10 nursery, and 10 finisher farm lagoons. Total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers, Enterococcus spp., Clostridium perfringens (Veillon and Zuber) Hauduroy et al., Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., and Salmonella spp. were evaluated. Highest levels were from total coliforms (1.4- 5.7x10(5) cfu 100 mL(-1)), which occurred with E. coli, Campylobacter spp., C. perfringens, and Enterococcus spp., in every lagoon and virtually every sample. Lowest levels were from Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp. (<or=1.3x10(2) most probable number [MPN] 100 mL(-1)), detected in 81 and 89% of lagoons and 68 and 64% of samples, respectively. Sow farm levels were higher for all except Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp., which were lower (1.4x10(1) and 2.8x10(1) MPN 100 mL(-1), respectively) and only slightly below their respective levels from nursery farms (1.1x10(2) and 3.4x10(1) MPN 100 mL(-1)). Shifting from finisher to nursery farm would not affect bacterial levels, but shifting to sows would. Either shift would reduce NPK and N:P and suggest modification of nutrient management plans.

Evaluation of six aerator modules built on venturi air injectors using clean water test

Six aerator modules constructed using venturi air injectors connected in either series or parallel were evaluated and compared for their oxygen transfer coefficients (OTC), standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR), and standard oxygenation efficiency (SOE) determined by clean water tests. Modules in series (module a, b, c) included one, two, and three venturi injectors, respectively. The aerator module with two (module d) and three (module e, f) venturi injectors in parallel were used, while module f had less friction and more even flow rate in each line compared with module e. The results showed that the OTC, SOTR, and SOE for the six different module configurations (module a, b, c, d, e, f) were 4.54, 3.79, 3.58, 8.37, 5.93 and 11.87 h(-1); 0.10, 0.09, 0.09, 0.18, 0.15, and 0.31 kgO(2)/h; and 0.07, 0.06, 0.06, 0.12, 0.10, and 0.21 kgO(2)/kWh, respectively. The observations indicate that a 3-fold increase in SOTR and 3.5-fold increase in SOE can be obtained by simply changing the way that venturi air injectors are connected, which suggests that it is possible to improve the aeration efficiency of a venturi type aeration system by innovative aerator module designs. In view of the situation that the venturi aeration systems currently used for swine manure lagoons need significant improvement in their performance in order to match the cost-effective requirement, more research in aerator module development is needed so that effective control of odor from liquid swine manure lagoons can be achieved at an affordable cost. The technology such developed can also be applied to other livestock species.

Dissolved Organic Carbon Losses from Tile Drained Agroecosystems

Artificial subsurface drainage is commonly used in midwestern agriculture and drainage losses of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from such systems are an under-quantified portion of the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of common agricultural management practices on DOC losses from subsurface tile drains and to assess patterns of loss as a function of year, time of year, and drainflow. Daily drainflow was collected across six water years (1999-2004) from a restored prairie grass system and cropping systems which include continuous corn (Zea mays L.) and corn-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations fertilized with urea-ammonium-nitrate (UAN) or swine (Sus scrofa) manure lagoon effluent. The DOC concentrations in tile drainflow were low, typically <2 mg L(-1). Yearly DOC losses, which ranged from 1.78 to 8.61 kg ha(-1), were not affected by management practices and were small compared to organic C inputs. Spring application of lagoon effluent increased yearly flow-weighted (FW)-DOC concentrations relative to other cropping systems in three of the years and increased monthly FW-DOC concentrations when drainflow occurred within 1 mo of application. Drainflow was significantly and positively correlated with DOC loss. Drainflow also affected DOC concentrations as greater 6-yr cumulative drainflow was associated with lower 6-yr FW-DOC concentrations and greater daily drainflow was associated with higher daily DOC concentrations. Our results indicate that lagoon effluent application and fertilizer N rates do not affect long-term losses of DOC from tile drains and that drainflow is the main driver of DOC losses.

Characterization of Salmonella Bacteriophages Isolated from Swine Lagoon Effluent

Four Salmonella bacteriophages that had been originally isolated from swine manure lagoons were characterized and compared to each other and to well-known Salmonella phages P22 and Felix 01. Host ranges of the lagoon phages were similar to each other in spot tests on reference strains of Salmonella, but differed slightly from each other on a panel of Salmonella lagoon strains. In single-step growth at 35 degrees C the lagoon phages had latent periods of 15 to 20 min and burst sizes from 100 to 230. The lagoon phages and P22 were purified by cesium chloride (CsCl) gradient centrifugation and used to produce specific antisera and DNA. The lagoon phages were indistinguishable from each other but distinct from P22 and Felix 01 in immunodiffusion and infectivity neutralization tests and in restriction digest analysis.

Isolation of Salmonella Bacteriophages from Swine Effluent Lagoons

Bacteriophages (phages) associated with Salmonella were collected from nine swine manure lagoons in Mississippi. Phages were isolated by an enrichment protocol or directly from effluent. For enrichment, chloroform-treated samples were filtered (0.22 mum) and selectively enriched by adding a cocktail of Salmonella strains in trypticase soy broth. After overnight incubation at 35 degrees C, chloroform was added and samples stored at 5 degrees C. Enriched samples were tested by double agar layer (DAL) plaque assay against individual Salmonella isolates. Phage titers of 2.9 x 10(8) to 2.1 x 10(9) plaque forming units (pfu) per mL were produced, but estimation of phage titers in lagoons was not possible. For direct isolation, effluent was clarified by centrifugation, filtered (0.22 microm), and used in DAL plaque assays to select single-plaque isolates for 15 Salmonella strains. Plaque counts varied among Salmonella strains and lagoons. The most sensitive strain for direct phage recovery was ATCC 13311. Phage titers estimated by direct isolation with ATCC 13311 ranged among lagoons from 12 to 148 pfu per mL. In limited host range tests, 66 isolates recovered by the enrichment protocol produced plaques only on Enteritidis and Typhimurium strains of Salmonella and none produced plaques on lagoon isolates of Citrobacter, Escherichia, Proteus, Providencia, or Serratia. Electron microscopy (EM) showed purified enrichment isolates had Podoviridae morphology (tailless 50-nm icosahedral heads with tail spikes). Electron microscopy of clarified concentrated effluent showed 5.5:1 tailless to tailed phages. The isolated phages have potential as typing reagents, specific indicators, and biocontrol agents of Salmonella.

Sorption of tylosin onto swine manure

Sorption of tylosin was conducted on manure solids (<2 mm) and colloidal materials (<1.2 μm) collected from open (OL) and covered (CL) anaerobic swine manure lagoons. The aqueous concentration of tylosin in the sorption studies bracket the levels expected in lagoons, between 1 mg l −1 and 30 mg l −1. Sorption isotherms were found to be slightly non-linear for 2 mm solids, with Freundlich distribution coefficients ( K f) of 39.4 with n = 1.32 for CL slurry and 99.5 with n = 1.02 for OL. These values are comparable to those reported for loam soils, but higher than those reported for sandy or clay soils and lower than those reported for fresh manure. Normalization of K d to the organic carbon content of the solids gave K oc values of 570 l kg −1 and 818 l kg −1, for CL and OL solids, respectively. The K d and K f values were not significantly different between colloids and 2 mm solids in OL slurry, but were significantly different in CL due to the non-linearity of the colloid isotherm. Based on the K d values obtained and comparing the K d values of other antibiotics, tylosin is strongly sorbed to manure, and would be more mobile than tetracyclines, but less mobile than sulfonamides, olaquindox, and chloramphenicol. However, tylosin mobility may be facilitated through transport with colloidal manure materials.

EVALUATION OF A PERMEABLE, 5 CM THICK, POLYETHYLENE FOAM LAGOON COVER

Anaerobic lagoons and liquid manure storage basins are widely used for the treatment and storage of livestock and poultry manure. Although relatively inexpensive to construct, these devices have been widely criticized based upon their odor and ammonia release. A floating, permeable, composite cover manufactured from recycled polyethylene chips topped with a geotextile layer containing zeolite particles was evaluated under both laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, the cover was found essentially to eliminate odor release and to reduce ammonia emissions by approximately 80%. When installed on a 0.4 ha swine manure lagoon in eastern North Carolina, the cover survived severe storms and allowed even intense rainfall to pass through without causing cover inundation. Under these field conditions, the cover was found to reduce ammonia emissions approximately 80%. Odor emissions measured twice during one month of the study were consistently low in concentration and near neutral relative to quality, as determined by an analysis by a trained odor panel. Microbiological examination of the cover after four months of use showed an active population of aerobic bacteria and protozoa; analysis showed that nitrifying, sulfide oxidizing, and methanotrophic bacteria were likely trophic components of the microbial populations observed. The surface of the cover became covered with an algal population within two weeks of installation. This and other vegetative growth had no discernable impact on the performance of the cover.

Permeable Covers for Odor and Emissions Control from Swine Manure Lagoons

Permeable Covers for Odor and Emissions Control from Swine Manure Lagoons

Long‐Term Swine Lagoon Effluent Applications on ‘Coastal’ Bermudagrass: II. Effect on Nutrient Accumulation in Soil

AbstractApplication of effluent from animal manure lagoons to cropland is an effective method of utilizing the nutrients in the effluent and minimizing groundwater and surface‐water pollution. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of land application of effluent from a swine (Sus scrofa domenticus) manure lagoon on selected soil chemical properties at the end of an 11‐yr study. Effluent was applied at rates to supply approximately 335, 670, and 1340 kg of N ha−1 yr−1 to ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) on a Paleudult soil from 1973 through 1983. Soil cores taken to a depth of 210 cm were analyzed for H2O‐extractable NO3‐N and Mehlich 1‐extractable P and cations. Nitrate‐N concentrations (1‐5 mg kg−1) with the two lower rates were similar to concentrations where no effluent was applied. At the high effluent rate, NO3‐N concentrations were elevated, particularly in the subsoil, and 540 kg NO3‐N ha−1 was present in the profile. Phosphorus increased with loading rate and at the high rate, P concentrations (450 mg kg−1) in the 0‐ to 15‐cm zone was 10 times the level above which no response to P fertilization would be expected. Potassium concentration increased with loading rate throughout the profile. Magnesium accumulation was inversely related to effluent loading rate in the 0‐ to 15‐cm zone, but accumulation in the subsoil was directly related to loading rate. Comparison of profile nutrient distributions at the high rate for Years 6 and 11 showed no appreciable accumulation of NO3‐N during the period. Accumulation of other nutrients during this 5‐yr period was P, 210%; K, 200%; Ca, 140%; Mg, 60%; and Na, 10% as compared with Year 6. Soil pH was decreased by the high effluent rate but did increase from 4.2 at Year 6 to 5.0 at Year 11 due to the increased rate of application of basic cations during that period. The high rate poses a groundwater pollution hazard because of the large quantity of NO3‐N present in the profile. In previous years, appreciable NO3‐N was also present at the medium rate, but NO3‐N was low at this rate in Year 11. The high P concentrations in the surface soil increase the potential for runoff transport of P, which might pose a surface‐water pollution problem.

Effect of Swine Manure Lagoon Sludge and Municipal Sewage Sludge on Growth, Nitrogen Recovery, and Heavy Metal Content of Fescuegrass

AbstractSludge from a swine manure lagoon and municipal sewage sludge were used in a greenhouse study to determine their effects on fescuegrass (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) yield, heavy metal concentrations, and N uptake. Four variables were used in the experiment: sludge (swine and municipal), soil (loamy sand and sandy clay loam), application method (surface applied and incorporated), and application rate (10, 20, and 40 kg/ha of sludge‐applied Cu). Inorganic fertilizer treatments supplying 50, 100, and 200 kg N/ha were also included.The sludges were applied at the beginning of the experimental period and increased yields for a period of 35 weeks (five harvests), municipal sludge generally resulted in higher yields than did swine sludge during this period. Total recovery of applied N in harvested grass was 24% of the municipal‐sludge N and 16% of the swine‐sludge N for the first five harvests. Surface application resulted in greater N recovery (24%) than did incorporation (16%, average of both sludges).Copper concentration in the grass was not affected by sludge type or soil type, but Zn concentrations were higher with municipal sludge and with the sandy clay loam. With municipal sludge the effects of soil types on the concentrations of the other metals in the grass were: Cr and Pb, no effect; Ni, higher with loamy sand; and Cd, initially higher with sandy clay loam, later higher with loamy sand. Surface‐applied sludge generally resulted in higher concentrations of metals in the grass than did incorporated sludge. A comparison of the effects of surface‐applied and incorporated sludge vs. the effect of chemical fertilizer on metal concentrations in the grass showed: Cr and Pb, no effect; Cu, slight increase due to sludge at first harvest only; and Zn, Ni, and Cd, increase due to sludge.Heavy metal concentrations in the grass were not consistently related to the soil type. Since the soils differed in cation exchange capacity (CEC, loamy sand, 3.9 meq/100 g; sandy clay loam, 8.5 meq/100 g), it appears that a better criterion than CEC is needed for determining acceptable metal loading rates for major soils of the southeastern United States.