Progress 11/01/99 to 12/31/04
Outputs
This research developed and/or evaluated tools for measuring and controlling air pollutant emissions from livestock and grain handling operations: a)Two sampling methods (Andersen and filtration samplers) were used to assess bioaerosols in swine barns. Results indicate that the filtration sampler can be used for qualitative surveys of bioaerosols in swine barns while the Andersen sampler is suitable for both quantitative and qualitative assessments. b) Dust concentrations were measured in swine barns using inhalable and closed-face total dust samplers. The mean inhalable dust concentration was significantly greater than the mean total dust concentration. Paired sampling data on various dust samplers did not show any significant differences. c) The effectiveness of local supply ventilation in controlling air quality near workers breathing zones was evaluated. A local supply system, in which air is supplied at the alley, improved ventilation effectiveness at the alley
and uniformity in dust concentration distribution compared to commercial systems. d) Methods for measuring dust emission rates from mechanically ventilated livestock buildings were evaluated in a laboratory chamber and a swine barn. Results suggest that fixed sampling under isokinetic conditions can be an alternative to the high-volume traverse method. Numerical simulation also indicated that dust concentrations within the barn could significantly differ from that determined at the exhaust. For barns with multiple fans, numerical simulation indicated that dust emission rate can be determined by measuring the emission rate at one fan and then estimating the emission rates in the other fans using the airflow rate ratios between the fans. e) Various methods of extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are adsorbed on the airborne dust in swine barns were investigated: solvent extraction, solid-phase microextraction, and purge and trap. The methods differed in the types and
amounts of VOCs extracted. Further analysis of extracted VOCs (i.e., acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, hexanal, and nonanal) with the purge and trap method showed acetic acid as generally the most abundant and nonanal as the least abundant. f) A laboratory apparatus for measuring dust emission potential from feedlot surfaces was developed. It had a bench top enclosure, mounted over a simulated feedyard surface; a weight was dropped onto the surface and dust emission was measured. Application of water on the manure surface would reduce dust emission significantly; however, upon drying, dust emission increases considerably. g) The amount of entrained air and emitted dust during corn receiving operations were measured at an elevator. The amount of air entrained per unit volume of corn decreased with increasing grain flow rate. Additionally, dust emission rates decreased with increasing grain flow rate and decreasing drop height. The effectiveness of a high-pressure, water-fog
system in controlling dust emissions was also evaluated while spouting corn or wheat into a test chamber. Water-fog sprays reduced dust emissions significantly; however, they also produced considerable fog emissions and deposits.
Impacts
Animal feeding operations (AFOs), including open-lot cattle feedlots and swine operations, are a significant part of the Kansas economy and rural communities. However, AFOs emit many air pollutants including dust and gases (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, and odors) that have led to increased environmental concerns. The long-term sustainability of the AFO industry and neighboring rural communities that depend economically on this industry will depend on overcoming these concerns. Additionally, a national need continues to exist to develop cost-effective tools to control dust emissions from grain elevators. This research program is developing and evaluating reliable, cost-effective, and innovative tools that can be used in quantifying and controlling the emissions of air pollutants, particularly dust, from AFOs and grain elevators. Consequently, it will have a direct and immediate impact on the AFO industry, neighboring rural communities, and
grain elevators.
Publications
- Billate, R.D., R.G. Maghirang, and M.E. Casada. 2004. Measurement of particulate matter emissions from corn receiving operations with simulated hopper-bottom trucks. Transactions of the ASAE 47(2):521-529.
- Brabec, D., R.G. Maghirang, and M. Casada. 2004. Effectiveness of high-pressure, water fogging system in controlling dust emissions at grain receiving. Transactions of the ASAE 47(2):505-511.
- Maghirang, R.G. and J.P. Murphy. 2004. Air quality issues associated with livestock production. In: Animal Waste Containment in Lagoons, L. Reddy (ed.), pp. 145-181, American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.
- Miller, G.Y., R.G. Maghirang, G.L. Riskowski, A.J. Heber, M.J. Robert, and M.E.T. Muyot. 2004. Influences on air quality and odor from mechanically ventilated swine finishing buildings in Illinois. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment 2(2):353-360.
- Predicala, B.Z. and R.G. Maghirang. 2004. Measurement of particulate matter emission rates from mechanically ventilated swine barns. Transactions of the ASAE 47(2):557-565.
- Razote, E., R.G. Maghirang, B.Z. Predicala, J.P. Murphy, B.W. Auvermann, J.P. Harner, and W. Hargrove. 2004. Dust emission potential of cattle feedlots as affected by feedlot surface characteristics. ASAE Paper No. 04-4015. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- Razote, E., R.G. Maghirang, L. Seitz, and I. Jeon. 2004. Characterization of volatile organic compounds on airborne dust in a swine finishing barn. Transactions of the ASAE 47(4):1231-1238.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
This project is developing and/or evaluating tools for assessing and improving the air quality associated with livestock operations and grain handling: (a) Dust concentrations were measured in three swine facilities using the inhalable (IOM) and closed-face total (TCF) dust samplers. The overall mean IOM concentration was significantly greater than the overall mean TCF concentration. Additional paired sampling data on various dust samplers (IOM vs conical inhalable or CIS, IOM vs open-face total or TOF, CIS vs TCF samplers, and TCF vs TOF) did not show any significant differences. (b) The effectiveness of local supply ventilation in controlling air quality at or near workers breathing zones was evaluated using a pilot-scale facility. The local supply ventilation systems involved introducing supply air at the alley in combination with commercial ceiling diffusers. Local supply ventilation improved ventilation effectiveness at the alley and uniformity in dust
concentration distribution compared to the commercial ones. (c) Computational fluid dynamics was used to predict the transport of dust within a mechanically ventilated airspace and its exhaust duct. Predicted dust concentrations agreed well with measured values. Predicted results indicated that emission rates based on dust concentrations determined at locations within the barn other than the exhaust could differ from that determined at the exhaust. Additionally, predicted results showed that one possible approach to the measurement of dust emission rates from swine barns equipped with multiple fans would be to determine the dust emission rate at one exhaust fan and estimate the emission rates in the other fans based on the airflow rate ratios between the fans. (d) A laboratory apparatus for measuring PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns) emission potential from feedlot surfaces was developed in cooperation with Texas A&M University. The apparatus consisted of a bench top
enclosure, mounted over a simulated feedyard surface; a weight was dropped onto the surface and PM10 emission was measured. In general, PM10 emission increases with increasing drop energy. Results confirmed that application of water on the manure surface would reduce PM10 emission significantly; however, upon drying, PM10 emission increases considerably depending on the condition of the manure surface, as well as the amount of water applied. (e) The amount of entrained air and emitted dust during corn receiving operations were measured at an elevator. Corn was unloaded from a storage bin, representing a hopper bottom truck. The amount of air entrained per unit volume of grain decreased with increasing grain flow rate. Additionally, dust emission rates decreased with increasing grain flow rate and decreasing drop height. The effectiveness of a high-pressure, water-fog system in controlling grain dust emissions was also evaluated with corn and wheat while spouting grain into a test
chamber. Water-fog sprays reduced dust emissions significantly; however, they also produced considerable fog emissions and deposits.
Impacts
Animal feeding operations (AFOs), including open-lot cattle feedlots and swine operations, are a significant part of the Kansas economy and rural communities. However, AFOs emit many air pollutants including particulate matter and gases (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, and odors) that have led to increased environmental concerns. The long-term sustainability of the AFO industry and neighboring rural communities that depend economically on this industry will depend on overcoming these concerns. Additionally, a national need continues to exist to develop cost-effective tools to control emissions of particulate matter from grain elevators. This research program is developing and evaluating reliable, cost-effective, and innovative tools that can be used in quantifying and controlling the emissions of air pollutants, particularly particulate matter, from AFOs and grain elevators. Consequently, it will have a direct and immediate impact on the AFO
industry, neighboring rural communities, and grain elevators.
Publications
- Predicala, B.Z. and R.G. Maghirang. 2003. Field comparison of inhalable and total dust samplers for assessing airborne dust in swine confinement barns. Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 18:694-701.
- Predicala, B.Z. and R.G. Maghirang. 2003. Numerical simulation of particulate emissions from mechanically ventilated swine barns. ASAE Paper No. MC03-405, MidCentral ASAE Meeting, St. Joseph, MO.
- Predicala, B.Z. and R.G. Maghirang. 2003. Numerical simulation of particulate matter emissions from mechanically ventilated swine barns. Transactions of the ASAE 46(6).
- Razote, E. 2003. Gas chromatographic analysis of airborne and dust-associated volatile organic compounds in swine buildings. Unpublished M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
- Razote, E., R.G. Maghirang, L. Seitz, and I. Jeon. 2003. Characterization of volatile organic compounds associated with airborne dust in swine buildings. ASAE Paper No. MC03-404, MidCentral ASAE Meeting, St. Joseph, MO.
- Billate, R. 2003. Air entrainment and dust emission during grain receiving operations. Unpublished M.S. thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
- Billate, R., R.G. Maghirang, and M. Casada. 2003. Measurement of particulate emissions from corn receiving operations with simulated hopper bottom trucks. ASAE Paper No. MC03-406, MidCentral ASAE Meeting, St. Joseph, MO.
- Brabec, D. 2003. Experimental and numerical modeling of dust control at grain receiving with high-pressure, water fogging systems. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
- Ingles, M.E., M. Casada, and R.G. Maghirang. 2003. Handling effects on commingling and residual grain in an elevator. Transactions of the ASAE 46(6).
- Jerez, S.B. and R.G. Maghirang. 2003. Effectiveness of local supply ventilation in improving worker zone air quality in swine confinement buildings, a pilot study. ASHRAE Transactions 109(2).
- Predicala, B.Z. 2003. Emission of particulate matter within and from swine buildings. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Research is being conducted to develop and evaluate tools for assessing and controlling the air quality associated with livestock operations. The specific objectives for this report period were to: (1) develop an air sampling system for characterizing airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in swine buildings; (2) characterize VOCs associated with airborne dust in swine buildings; and (3) evaluate methods for measuring the emission rates of particulate matter (PM) from swine buildings. For the first objective, an air sampling system in conjunction with solid phase microextraction (SPME) was devised. With a standard solution consisting of 11 VOCs, sampling times, volumes, and flow rates were adjusted to establish optimal extraction conditions. Results indicated that the sampling system was effective with the Carboxen (CAR)/Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber in extracting all 11 VOCs. The best sampling conditions for extraction were a 100-mL sampling vial subjected to
a continuous flow of 100 mL/min for 60 min. In addition, tests in a swine building revealed that the sampling system was capable of extracting over 60 VOCs. For the second objective, three methods of extracting VOCs adsorbed on airborne dust in a swine building were investigated. Airborne dust was first collected in pre-baked glass fiber filters and VOCs were extracted by solvent extraction using dichloromethane, SPME using CAR/PDMS and PDMS fibers, and purge and trap methods. Solvent extraction was able to extract only some high boiling point fatty acids. The CAR/PDMS fiber was able to extract the low to mid boiling point compounds like the fatty acids, phenols and indoles, while the PDMS fiber extracted more of the mid boiling point compounds, specifically the aliphatic hydrocarbons. The purge and trap method extracted compounds with low to mid boiling points. For the third objective, methods for measuring emission rates of PM from fan-ventilated swine buildings were evaluated using
a test chamber. PM concentrations were measured inside the chamber and at the exhaust. Concentrations at the exhaust were determined using high-volume traverse downstream of the exhaust fan, low-volume traverse downstream of the fan, and fixed sampling upstream and downstream of the fan. The high-volume traverse served as the reference method. Both traverse methods were conducted under isokinetic conditions; fixed sampling was done under both isokinetic and subisokinetic conditions. Both room sampling and exhaust sampling under subisokinetic conditions overestimated exhaust PM concentrations. Additionally, the low-volume traverse and fixed sampling under isokinetic conditions agreed well with the high-volume traverse method. Methods involving room sampling, fixed sampling at exhaust, and high-volume traverse at exhaust were also compared in a swine barn. Room sampling overestimated concentrations at the exhaust, and PM concentration from fixed sampling did not differ significantly
from the high-volume traverse method. It appears that fixed sampling under isokinetic conditions can be used as an alternative to the high-volume traverse method.
Impacts
Animal feeding operations face various air quality challenges, including emissions of odor, ammonia, particulate matter, and other pollutants. Accurate estimates of the rate of emission of various air pollutants from animal feeding operations are essential in assessing the impact of these operations on the surrounding environment. Through this research program, we have developed and evaluated simple and reliable tools that can be used in characterizing and quantifying the emissions of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds from livestock buildings. Such tools can help in the development of standard protocols for measurement of air pollutant emission rates from mechanically ventilated livestock buildings.
Publications
- Predicala, B.Z. and R.G. Maghirang. 2002. Measurement of particulate emission rates from mechanically ventilated swine barns. ASAE Meeting Paper No. 02-4209. St. Joseph, Mich.: American Society of Agricultural Engineers.
- Predicala, B.Z., J.E. Urban, R.G. Maghirang, S.B. Jerez, and R.D. Goodband. 2002. Assessment of bioaerosols in swine finishing barns by filtration and impaction. Current Microbiology 44(2):136-140.
- Razote, E., I. Jeon, R.G. Maghirang, and W. Chobpattana. 2002. Dynamic air sampling of volatile organic compounds using solid-phase microextraction. Journal of Environmental Science and Health B37(4):365-378.
- Razote, E., R.G. Maghirang, L. Seitz, and I. Jeon. 2002. Characterization of volatile organic compounds in airborne dust. ASAE Meeting Paper No. 02-4162. St. Joseph, Mich.: American Society of Agricultural Engineers.
- Billate, R., R.G. Maghirang, and M. Casada. 2002. Measurement of air entrainment and dust emission during shelled corn receiving operations from simulated hopper bottom grain trailers. ASAE Meeting Paper No. 02-6112. St. Joseph, Mich.: American Society of Agricultural Engineers.
- Ingles, M.E., M. Casada, and R.G. Maghirang. 2002. Handling effects and residual grain during grain receiving. ASAE Meeting Paper No. 02-6111. St. Joseph, Mich.: American Society of Agricultural Engineers.
- Predicala, B.Z. and R.G. Maghirang. 2002. Measuring emission rates of particulate matter from fan ventilated swine barns. Swine Day 2002, pp. 169-174. Manhattan, Kansas: Kansas State University.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Research is being conducted to develop and/or evaluate tools for assessing and improving the air quality associated with agricultural operations. The specific objectives for this report period were to: (1) assess the indoor air quality in swine-finishing buildings, (2) compare bioaerosol samplers, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of air inlets in removing dust from ventilated airspaces. Air quality was assessed in two commercial swine-finishing barns: one naturally ventilated (NV) and one mechanically ventilated (MV). The concentrations of inhalable dust (IDC), respirable dust (RDC), bioaerosols, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, as well as particle size distribution, air temperature, and relative humidity (RH) inside the barns were monitored for 41 consecutive weeks covering three batches of pigs in each barn. The mean IDC, RDC, total viable particles, and respirable viable particles in the NV barn were 2.2 mg/cu.m., 0.1 mg/cu.m., 6.0E4 cfu/cu.m., and 9.8E3 cfu/cu.m.,
respectively. The corresponding values in the MV barn were 2.1 mg/cu.m., 0.1 mg/cu.m., 1.7E4 cfu/cu.m., and 4.5E3 cfu/cu.m., respectively. The two barns did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in any of the above parameters or in particle size distribution. The IDC and RDC inside the two barns correlated significantly (p<0.05) with the weight of the pigs. The IDC also correlated significantly (p<0.05) with the outside air temperature, and the RDC correlated with the temperature difference between inside and outside air. Two bioaerosol sampling methods, that is, Andersen and filtration samplers, were utilized in assessing the bioaerosol loads in swine finishing barns. Results indicated that the two samplers were similar qualitatively in terms of the species of microorganisms sampled; the persistent strains of microorganisms were various species of the following genera: Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Listeria, Enterococcus, Nocardia, Lactobacillus, and Penicillium. However, the
filtration sampler resulted in significantly (p<0.05) lower bioaerosol concentrations than the Andersen sampler. Thus, it appears that the filtration sampler can be used for a qualitative survey of bioaerosols in swine barns while the Andersen sampler is suitable for both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Three supply air inlets, specifically, one-way ceiling, two-way ceiling, and sidewall, were evaluated in an in-house laboratory. The dust concentrations were measured with inhalable dust samplers, from which the relative ventilation effectiveness at various locations was obtained. Results showed that the dust concentration and the relative ventilation effectiveness varied significantly (p<0.05) with location and for the three air inlets. The one-way ceiling air inlet, in which the supply air jet was directed away from the exhaust fan, was the best of the three air inlets in removing the dust from the locations considered.
Impacts
Airborne emissions of pollutants within and from livestock production facilities have created significant concerns among livestock producers, regulators, and nearby residents. This research aims to develop reliable and cost-effective tools that can be used in characterizing and controlling the emissions of dust, bioaerosols, and volatile organic compounds within and from livestock buildings. These tools will be useful in developing cost-effective management practices and emission abatement strategies to ensure adequate air quality associated with livestock operations.
Publications
- Maghirang, R.G., S.B. Jerez, and B.Z. Predicala. 2001. Relative ventilation effectiveness in a mechanically ventilated airspace under isothermal conditions. Transactions of the ASAE 44(3):691-696.
- Predicala, B.Z., R.G. Maghirang, S.B. Jerez, J.E. Urban, and R.D. Goodband. 2001. Dust and bioaerosol concentrations in two swine-finishing buildings in Kansas. Transactions of the ASAE 44(5):1291-1298.
- Chung, D.S., R.G. Maghirang, Y.S. Kim, and M.S. Kim. 2001. Effect of moisture and fine material on static pressure drops in a bed of grain sorghum and rough rice. Transactions of the ASAE 44(2):331-336.
- Schoonover, C., B. Peterson, S. Vermilion, R.G. Maghirang, and M.D. Schrock. 2001. Development of an energy-absorbing headgate for cattle squeeze chute. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 17(6).
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The overall goal of this project is to develop strategies and technologies that will ensure adequate air quality in livestock production systems in Kansas. In one study, indoor air quality (IAQ) was assessed in two confined swine-finishing barns in Kansas. One barn was naturally ventilated, the other was mechanically ventilated. The IAQ parameters considered were inhalable dust, respirable dust, airborne viable particles, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. The two barns did not show any significant difference in IAQ. Additionally, the IAQ in both barns was generally below the threshold limit except under certain conditions (e.g., low ventilation rates during cold weather), in which case, workers and producers would need help or further training to minimize potential occupational health problems. In another study, C57BI mice were given intratracheal instillation (ITI) to 15 or 50 ug of endotoxin and sacrificed 7-9 days after ITI. Another group of C57BI mice was given ITI 50
ug of endotoxin and sacrificed 1 and 2 days after ITI to define earlier changes. The mice developed histologic multifocal pneumonia that had resolved by 7-9 days after ITI. To define alveolar cells, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) lung washings were performed, total leucocytes were counted and differentiated. BALF leucocytes were increased in high dose mice, 1 day post ITI. Low dose mice, 7-9 days post ITI, had increased BALF leucocytes and lymphocytes indicating the persistence of an inflammation which was becoming chronic or immunologic. To determine the nature of the immunologic change, BALF interleukin IL-10 and IL-6 were analyzed; the immunologic change was largest at day 2 after exposure. Although increases were smaller, 38% increases in IL-10 and 20% increases in IL-6 persisted to 7-9 days after exposure. These data suggested an immunologic change, involving lymphocyte, IL-6 and IL-10, that may have protected lung cells from the inflammatory reaction to ITI-instilled
endotoxin.
Impacts
This research program addresses the air quality issues associated with confined livestock feeding operations. Technologies and strategies are being developed to help ensure adequate air quality for workers, animals and nearby residents. The potential benefits are better health and safety conditions for workers and reduced odor and dust in the neighboring environment.
Publications
- Predicala, B., R.G. Maghirang, J.E. Urban, K.S. Ocfemia, R.D. Goodband, and M.L. Peterie. 2000. Characterization of particulate matter in a naturally and fan-ventilated swine barns. In: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Air Pollution from Agricultural Operations, pp. 321-328, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
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