Characteristics of PM2.5 and Its Correlation with Feed, Manure and NH3 in a Pig-Fattening House

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 in pig houses, has received increasing attention due to the potential health risks associated with PM. At present, most studies have analyzed PM2.5 in Chinese pig houses utilizing natural ventilation. These results, however, are strongly affected by the internal structure and regional environment, thus limiting their applicability to non-mechanically ventilated pig houses. This experiment was carried out in an environmentally controlled pig house. The animal feeding operation and manure management in the house were typical for Southwest China. To reduce the influence of various environmental factors on PM2.5, the temperature and humidity in the house were maintained in a relatively stable state by using an environmental control system. The concentration of PM2.5 in the pig house was monitored, while the biological contents and chemical composition of PM2.5 were analyzed, and feed, manure, and dust particles were scanned using an electron microscope. Moreover, bacterial and fungal contents and some water-soluble ions in PM2.5 were identified. The results showed that the concentration of PM2.5 in the pig house was strongly affected by pig activity, and a phenomenon of forming secondary particles in the pig house was found, although the transformation intensity was low. The concentration of PM2.5 had negative correlations of 0.27 and 0.18 with ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, respectively. Interestingly, a stronger correlation was observed between ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations (the concentration of ammonia had stronger positive correlations with hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide concentrations at +0.44 and +0.59, respectively). The main potential sources of PM2.5 production were feed and manure. We speculate that manure could contribute to the broken, rough, and angular particles that formed the pig house PM2.5 that easily adhered to other components.

Characteristics and Traceability Analysis of Microbial Assemblage in Fine Particulate Matter from a Pig House

“…The PM 2.5 concentrations in this experiment were close to those reported in previous studies [ 20 ] and exceeded the limit of 35 μg·m −3 in the Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB3095-2012) issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in China. During the spring season, because the pig house had a low density of pigs and a ventilation level ranging from 6.4 to 47.0 m 3 ·h −1 , PM 2.5 concentrations close to 200 were not reached, as reported by Shang et al [ 21 ].…”

Air Quality Assessment in Pig Farming: The Italian Classyfarm

“…Airborne dust represents a big risk both to farm operators and animals. Moreover, it can also pollute the surrounding area, increasing the risk of asthma and lung disease in nearby residents [63][64][65]. Particulate matter consists of coarse (PM 2.5-10 ), fine (PM 1-2.5 ), and ultrafine (PM < 1) particles.…”

“…So, dust can be distinguished first for its particle size and morphology; it is determinant to know the transmission distance, the suspension time, and the location of deposition in the respiratory tract [65]. PM 10 are particles smaller than 10 µm and they include dust, pollen, and spores.…”

“…The monitoring of fine particles could reveal potential high concentrations of dust having the capacity to penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, triggering negative synergistic health effects in the lungs [8]. Moreover, particles with an aerodynamic size lower than 100 nm are captured by the blood stream in the zone of gas exchange in the alveoli, escaping the phagocytosis exerted by alveolar macrophages and thus initiating the formation of ROS [65], with adverse effects on animals and workers. As reported in Table 6, particulate matter can be characterized under physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters.…”

“…In addition, ultrafine particles (<1 µm) reacting with acidic gases, such as ammonium and nitrate sulfate, contribute to the formation of secondary particulates and may pose an additional health risk [65].…”