Ammonia Emission in Poultry Facilities: A Review for Tropical Climate Areas

Abstract

Brazil is the largest broiler meat exporter in the world. This important economic activity generates income in different branches of the production chain. However, the decomposition of residues incorporated in the poultry litter generates several gases, among them ammonia. When emitted from the litter to the air, ammonia can cause several damages to animals and man, in addition to being able to convert into a greenhouse gas. Thus, the aim of this article was to carry out a review of the ammonia emission factors in the production of broilers, the methodologies for measuring, and the inventories of emissions already carried out in several countries. The main chemical processes for generating ammonia in poultry litter have been introduced and some practices that can contribute to the reduction of ammonia emissions have been provided. The PMU, Portable Monitoring Unit, and the SMDAE, Saraz Method for Determination of Ammonia Emissions, with the required adaptations, are methodologies that can be used to quantify the ammonia emissions in hybrid facilities with a natural and artificial ventilation system. An ammonia emission inventory can contribute to the control and monitoring of pollutant emissions and is an important step towards adopting emission reductions. However, quantifying the uncertainties about ammonia emission inventories is still a challenge to be overcome.

Design of an exhaust fan with activated charcoal in a broiler closed houses for ammonia gas mitigation

“…In addition, ammonia gas which is directly discharged into the environment causes global effects because ammonia gas contributes to the formation of nitrogen oxide gas which is a greenhouse gas. Moreover, ammonia in the atmosphere can cause acid rain, which ultimately results in acidification and eutrophication of soils and rivers [5]. Currently, the largest emission of ammonia gas comes from the livestock industry, which is around 80 -90% [6].…”

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Ammonia Concen-Tration in a Commercial Broiler Building

“…Continuous exposure to high concentrations (> 15.2 mg/m 3 or > 20 ppm) of NH3 is harmful to humans and animals [4,6], as it can cause several respiratory problems and eye irritation. Likewise, continuous exposure of broilers to this gas is reported to be the cause for reduction in the rate of weight gain and health problems [6,7]. In addition, international regulations also intend to protect birds and workers health, by limiting the exposure to NH3.…”

“…In addition, international regulations also intend to protect birds and workers health, by limiting the exposure to NH3. The volatilization of NH3 is influenced by several factors such as temperature and relative humidity, ventilation rate and air velocity, excretion rate and litter removal schedule [6,8]. Some studies have been published concerning strategies to control and reduce NH3 volatilization in broiler housing, either by adding additives to litter material or by dietary manipulation [2,5,[9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

“…Some studies have been published concerning strategies to control and reduce NH3 volatilization in broiler housing, either by adding additives to litter material or by dietary manipulation [2,5,[9][10][11][12][13][14]. Strategies like the utilization of additives and the adoption of diets with lower levels of crude protein are some examples of measures that can contribute to reduce NH3 losses in broiler production facilities [6].…”

Recent Advances in Graphene-Based Nanocomposites for Ammonia Detection

“…NH 3 has been broadly utilised in the production of explosives, fertilisers, plastics, fabrics, pesticides, dyes, and as an industrial coolant. Nevertheless, the widespread use of NH 3 on farms, such as in fertilizer to cultivate soil and farmland, in cleaning products for households, and in industrial and commercial applications, such as glass cleaning, cooking grease solution, wine stain beakers, waste and wastewater treatment, cold storage, and stabilisers, signifies a frequent exposure of NH 3 through accidental discharge, erosion, mechanical failure, construction defect, nitrification by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and combustion of fossil fuels in both chemical and transportation industries [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Hence, their overwhelming production should be monitored to control the pollutants and avoid any catastrophic occurrence, such as explosions and long exposure to the environment, which would certainly lead to detrimental results.…”