Measurement and analysis of ammonia emission from a pig farm in the northeast of China

Abstract

Abstract:China is the largest swine production country in the world. The fast development has consequently brought various environmental issues which have already seriously threatened the environmental quality. This study is aimed to measure the concentrations of NH3 in the pig houses in the selected pig farm, try to conclude characteristics on the concentration change and the correlation between the concentrations and the environmental factors. The NH3 concentration was monitored in two fattening pig houses. The concentrations fluctuated between 11.0 and 26.9 ppm, 11.0 and 28.5 ppm respectively during the measurement periods, peaking at the early morning and in the afternoon before cleaning. The concentrations of NH3 correlated to the indoor temperature in winter, whereas, there was no correlation between relative humidity and NH3 concentrations.

Emission of Greenhouse Gases and Odorants from Pig Slurry - Effect on the Environment and Methods of its Reduction

“…When it comes to pigs, the primary response to the excess of NH 3 is increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments and infections. This gas may contribute to a significant decline in animal productivity as well as animals' death [9,11,[41][42][43][44]. NH 3 is not only an odorant but also the main factor determining an increase in the acidification of atmosphere and soil.…”

“…NH 3 is not only an odorant but also the main factor determining an increase in the acidification of atmosphere and soil. NH 3 emitted from terrestrial ecosystems returns to the Earth's surface with dry and wet atmospheric precipitation causing disturbances of the nitrogen cycle in the environment, thereby contributing to soil acidification and eutrophication of surface waters [9,18,[41][42][43][44][45][46]. The main source of NH 3 emission is agriculture, especially animal husbandry, whose share in the global NH 3 emissions from land-based sources is approximately 64 %.…”

“…NH 3 is also generated as a result of microbial degradation of proteins found in the feces, however, this process proceeds very slowly, therefore the NH 3 emission from faeces can play a more important role when the slurry is stored for many months. The total NH 3 emission from pig slurry consists of partial emissions of this compound from pig slurry located in livestock housing and storage tanks, as well as from soils fertilized with slurry [41][42][43].…”