Progress 06/03/10 to 05/26/15
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): This project addresses atmospheric emissions of trace gases from concentrated dairy operations & manure management systems. The goal is to develop emissions factors which will allow decision makers to evaluate the contribution of these constituents from dairy production with other agricultural and industrial sectors and assist in long-term planning efforts aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions. Additionally, this project examines emissions of bioaerosols from dairy production facilities as well as airborne transport of pathogens during the reuse of dairy wastewater for crop irrigation. This information will be used to determine the potential for off site transport of bioaerosols and pathogens from dairy production, which is a community concern. The specific objectives and goals of the project are below. Objective 1. Determine emission rates of gases and bioaerosols from dairy operations. Goal 1.1. Estimate on-farm emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from dairy production facilities to determine emission factors that account for diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in emissions. Goal 1.2. Compare gas monitoring equipment effects on estimates of ammonia & methane emissions. Goal 1.3. Develop on-farm emissions factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy wastewater storage ponds based on wastewater characteristics, management practices, and climatic conditions. Goal 1.4. Measure airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria, virus, and filamentous fungi and endotoxins downwind from a concentrated dairy operation to assess diurnal and seasonal variations. Objective 2. Utilize fecal contamination indicators to assess the downwind transport of pathogens in dairy wastewaters delivered via sprinkler irrigation systems. Goal 2.1. Assess the transport of aerosolized bacterial and viral pathogens generated during the land application of dairy wastewaters using sprinkler irrigation systems. Objective 3. Improve dairy industry production capacity and environmental sustainability to meet the demands of existing and emerging markets, and improve dairy industry resilience to abiotic and biotic stressors while maintaining producer economic viability. Using a comprehensive, systems approach along with existing/new databases and models to identify opportunities and support Livestock GRACEnet, LTAR and Climate Hub efforts to improve the environmental performance of dairy systems across the Northeast, Midwest, and West. The following research focus areas will be prioritized: a)Improve nutrient use efficiency across dairy production, emphasizing the conservation of nitrogen and phosphorus in local and regional crop production and reduction of off-farm nitrogen and phosphorus losses, especially through novel/greater use of forage crops and innovative practices. b)Improve carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cattle, production facilities and land application of manure. c)Improve the understanding of pathogen transport and control through water and/or bioaerosol pathways. Approach (from AD-416): A year long study will determine the emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from the barns and wastewater storage pond of a large freestall dairy. Additionally, bioaerosol transport from the barns to downwind locations will be assessed. The emissions of ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy liquid storage ponds will also be assessed in order to determine the factors affecting these emissions and develop better methods for predicting emissions from these systems. An assessment of the transport of pathogens from sprinkler irrigation of dairy wastewater will also be undertaken to determine the risk of pathogen drift to human receptors and potential health risks. A better understanding of the type and amount of constituents released into the air from animal production and manure storage areas are expected results. This information will allow us to develop emissions factors and assess the risk of pathogen drift from these systems. This is the final report for this project, which was terminated in June of 2015, and has been replaced with a bridging project, 2054-63000-002- 00D. Research will continue under the bridging project until a new project plan is approved in FY2016. All of the planned experiments have been completed except for subobjective 1.3, where data collection will continue until October 2015 and then emission factors will be developed. Novel research was conducted over the course of this five year project, resulting in an improved understanding of factors that control bioaerosol and gas emissions, as well as emission estimates from dairy cattle housing (open feedlots, barns) and manure storage (lagoons, composting). In the immediate downwind environment of dairies, airborne endotoxin was detected at quantities that are known to cause acute and chronic symptoms in humans. However, endotoxin concentrations were found to quickly decrease with increasing distance from the dairy production facilities, suggesting that individuals greater than 1 km downwind will have a low risk of exposure. Factors found to substantially increase the aerosolization of endotoxin were cattle movement and high wind speed. Using a variety of bioaerosol collection methods, bacteria and fungi that are pathogenic to humans were not detected in samples downwind from dairy housing or center pivot irrigation systems that were applying wastewater, indicating pathogenic bacteria and fungi are likely at low concentrations or not present. A wide range of bacterial pathogens were detected at appreciable quantities in dairy wastewater ponds. During wastewater irrigation events through center pivot sprinklers, it was found that sprinkler type and pressure did not affect cultural viability of bacteria and coliphage. Dispersion model simulations during center pivot irrigation of dairy wastewaters indicated that infectious risks from aerosolized enteric bacterial pathogens were very low to near zero for people greater than 1 km downwind during daytime irrigation. These data were used by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to dismiss a negotiated rulemaking process for dairy wastewater irrigation practices in Idaho. Airborne pathogen exposure can be minimized by applying dairy wastewaters during daylight hours when airborne pathogen inactivation from sunlight and dilution from higher wind speeds is greatest. This research project also resulted in some of the first annual emission factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from large scale dairy operations that are typical of western dairy production systems. Emissions of ammonia, methane and nitrous oxide varied diurnally, seasonally, and were also dependent on housing and manure management systems. Annual average emissions from the whole farm ranged from 50 to 80 kg of ammonia per cow per year and 120 to 550 kg of methane per cow per year. Nitrous oxide emissions were quite low and averaged 7 kg per cow per year. This research demonstrated the necessity of accounting for both diurnal and seasonal variations in emissions to accurately estimate emission factors. Research at open lot dairies revealed the effects of weather and lot conditions on the spatial distribution of ammonia across animal pens, with lower concentrations occurring in the winters versus higher concentrations during warmer and wetter months. These data have been provided to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to improve their emissions estimation models as well as to determine realistic on-farm emission factors for western dairies. In addition, these data have been used to refine process-based models that simulate losses of ammonia and greenhouse gasses from dairy production systems based on diet, housing, and manure handling strategies. Monitoring emissions from dairy wastewater storage ponds has provided a dataset that will be used to determine ammonia and methane emission factors from manure storage based on manure characteristics and manure handling system. Data will also be used to determine potential mitigation strategies to reduce the methane produced from these storage areas, which is a target for the USDA to reduce overall emissions from U.S. agriculture. In addition, it will provide useful information related to the potential energy generation from these manure storage facilities. This overall data package will be useful to a variety of customers and stakeholders, especially those seeking to refine process-based and risk assessment models and develop regulatory structures and mitigation strategies. Cooperative research with the University of California, Davis, examined individual and interactive effects of dietary forage and crude protein contents on enteric methane emissions and nitrogen, total E.coli and Listeria excreted with feces from lactating dairy cows. As dietary forage content increased, dry matter intake and milk yield decreased and methane emission per unit of dry matter intake increased. Dietary crude protein content did not affect methane emissions but was positively related to milk urea nitrogen content, urine output, urinary nitrogen output, and total manure nitrogen output per unit of dry matter intake or milk yield. Fecal nitrogen output was not affected by dietary crude protein levels. Dietary forage content was positively associated only with urinary nitrogen output. The enteric methane emissions and manure nitrogen output per unit of milk yield were positively correlated. There were no interactions between dietary crude protein and forage contents on methane emissions or nitrogen excretion. Overall, increasing dietary forage and crude protein contents independently increased methane emissions and total manure nitrogen excretions respectively in cows fed alfalfa hay- based diets. Alfalfa hay was found to be a major source of both E.coli and Listeria. Fecal E.coli concentrations and output were greater under a high forage-high crude protein diet than a high forage-low crude protein diet. Only dietary protein affected the concentration of Listeria, which was higher when cows were fed a low protein versus high protein diet. Diets with reduced forage and crude protein may be used to simultaneously reduce methane emissions and nitrogen excretions from dairy cows, however, reducing crude protein could increase Listeria concentration in feces. Accomplishments 01 Diet modification impact on dairy cow emissions. Diet modifications reduce enteric methane emissions and nitrogen excretions from dairy cows but model simulations have indicated that diet modification to reduce nitrogen excretions will increase enteric methane emissions. A study was conducted by ARS researchers at Kimberly, Idaho, in cooperation with scientists at University of California, Davis, to examine individual and interactive effects of dietary forage and crude protein contents on enteric methane emissions and nitrogen, total E. coli and Listeria excretions from lactating dairy cows. Overall, decreasing dietary forage decreased methane emissions and decreasing crude protein contents decreased total manure nitrogen excretions in cows fed alfalfa hay based diets. However, Listeria fecal concentrations were higher when cows were fed a low protein versus high protein diet. Diets with reduced forage and crude protein may be used to simultaneously reduce methane emissions and nitrogen excretions but could increase Listeria excreted with feces from dairy cows. 02 Nutritional and environmental factors affecting ammonia emissions from dairy cattle. Developing accurate emission factors to quantify ammonia emissions from dairy production is essential for accurate U.S. inventories and for identifying potential mitigation strategies. Using a meta-analytical approach, ARS researchers at Kimberly, Idaho, in cooperation with scientists at University of California, Davis, investigated the factors that influence ammonia emissions from dairy housing. Typical on-farm ammonia emission rates were determined based on housing type, flooring type, manure handling system as well as animal diets. These on-farm emission rates suggest that ammonia emission rates calculated by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods underestimate emissions from open-lots by 7.5-fold and scrape barns by 2.5-fold while over-estimating emissions from deep pit barns by 2.6-fold. Data from this study will be used to further develop equations for predicting ammonia emissions and mitigation strategies for reducing ammonia emissions from dairy farms. 03 Gas emission estimates improved for the Integrated Farm System Model. Accurate predictions of reactive nitrogen (ammonia, nitrous oxide) emissions from livestock production are important because it is not possible to measure emissions on every farm. ARS researchers at Kimberly, Idaho, and University Park, Pennsylvania, found that the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) predicted reactive nitrogen emissions reasonably well for open lot dairies in southern Idaho except in the summer. Prediction equations within IFSM were improved for estimating reactive nitrogen emissions based on housing, diet and manure handling systems. The improved model can now be used predict whole-farm emissions and the effects of conservation practices to reduce ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions. 04 Forage legumes increase beef production on pasture without increasing greenhouse gas emissions. In a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from animal production, many countries are performing life cycle greenhouse gas emissions analysis to determine system impacts of altering conventional livestock rearing strategies to alternative systems. Collaborative research between ARS scientists at Kimberly, Idaho, and The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA - Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecu�ria) investigated the impact of increasing pasture productivity using fertilizers, forage legumes, supplements and concentrates on greenhouse gas emissions from beef production with Nellore cattle in the Cerrado region of Brazil. The most favorable scenario included a nitrogen fixing legume in the pasture to increase the crude protein in the acquired diet. Including forage legumes in Brazilian pastures can increase beef cattle production by 52% without increasing greenhouse gas emissions. 05 Simpler method to determine gas emissions with Open path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Open path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (OP/FTIR) is an important instrument for determining ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from target areas like dairy production facilities. However, developing the mathematical models used by the instrument to quantify gas concentrations is difficult, time consuming and requires expert knowledge. Additionally, there is variability between instruments so a new model must be developed whenever a new instrument is used or repaired. ARS researchers at Kimberly, Idaho, in cooperation with a scientist at the University of Science and Technology of China used a slope bias correction to transfer models between instruments. Using slope bias correction reduced the measurement error from 10% to 2% when tested over varying climatic conditions. This model transfer method is an effective and efficient alternative to building new models for analysis of OP/FTIR spectroscopic data, making it more practical to use these instruments for measuring gas concentrations.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): This project addresses atmospheric emissions of trace gases from concentrated dairy operations & manure management systems. The goal is to develop emissions factors which will allow decision makers to evaluate the contribution of these constituents from dairy production with other agricultural and industrial sectors and assist in long-term planning efforts aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions. Additionally, this project examines emissions of bioaerosols from dairy production facilities as well as airborne transport of pathogens during the reuse of dairy wastewater for crop irrigation. This information will be used to determine the potential for off site transport of bioaerosols and pathogens from dairy production, which is a community concern. The specific objectives and goals of the project are below. Objective 1. Determine emission rates of gases and bioaerosols from dairy operations. Goal 1.1. Estimate on-farm emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from dairy production facilities to determine emission factors that account for diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in emissions. Goal 1.2. Compare gas monitoring equipment effects on estimates of ammonia & methane emissions. Goal 1.3. Develop on-farm emissions factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy wastewater storage ponds based on wastewater characteristics, management practices, and climatic conditions. Goal 1.4. Measure airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria, virus, and filamentous fungi and endotoxins downwind from a concentrated dairy operation to assess diurnal and seasonal variations. Objective 2. Utilize fecal contamination indicators to assess the downwind transport of pathogens in dairy wastewaters delivered via sprinkler irrigation systems. Goal 2.1. Assess the transport of aerosolized bacterial and viral pathogens generated during the land application of dairy wastewaters using sprinkler irrigation systems. Objective 3. Improve dairy industry production capacity and environmental sustainability to meet the demands of existing and emerging markets, and improve dairy industry resilience to abiotic and biotic stressors while maintaining producer economic viability. Using a comprehensive, systems approach along with existing/new databases and models to identify opportunities and support Livestock GRACEnet, LTAR and Climate Hub efforts to improve the environmental performance of dairy systems across the Northeast, Midwest, and West. The following research focus areas will be prioritized: a)Improve nutrient use efficiency across dairy production, emphasizing the conservation of nitrogen and phosphorus in local and regional crop production and reduction of off-farm nitrogen and phosphorus losses, especially through novel/greater use of forage crops and innovative practices. b)Improve carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cattle, production facilities and land application of manure. c)Improve the understanding of pathogen transport and control through water and/or bioaerosol pathways. Approach (from AD-416): A year long study will determine the emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from the barns and wastewater storage pond of a large freestall dairy. Additionally, bioaerosol transport from the barns to downwind locations will be assessed. The emissions of ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy liquid storage ponds will also be assessed in order to determine the factors affecting these emissions and develop better methods for predicting emissions from these systems. An assessment of the transport of pathogens from sprinkler irrigation of dairy wastewater will also be undertaken to determine the risk of pathogen drift to human receptors and potential health risks. A better understanding of the type and amount of constituents released into the air from animal production and manure storage areas are expected results. This information will allow us to develop emissions factors and assess the risk of pathogen drift from these systems. On-farm emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide have been completed for two dairy farms in support of objective 1. Additional research was initiated with ARS at University Park to improve the Integrated Farm System Model for estimating emissions from western dairy production systems. Emissions continue to be measured monthly from two dairy wastewater storage ponds. Completion of the study was delayed due to technical problems with gas measurement equipment. Data collection will continue until January of 2015 and then emission factors will be developed for wastewater storage ponds. On objective 2, significant progress was made in estimating infectious risks in humans from bacterial pathogens that are aerosolized during center pivot irrigation of dairy wastewaters. A commonly available Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) model was used to assess the dispersion of the pathogens, while various sub-models were used to calculate decay of airborne microorganisms and infectious risks after inhalation and ingestion of enteric pathogens. The results were published as a single article in a peer-reviewed journal. Accomplishments 01 Estimation of infectious risks during dairy wastewater irrigation. There are concerns that individuals may be exposed to airborne pathogens during wastewater irrigation. ARS researchers at Kimberly, Idaho, performed a quantitative microbial risk assessment to estimate infectious risks after inhalation of enteric bacterial pathogens that were aerosolized during center pivot irrigation with wastewater. Airborne pathogen concentrations at 1 to 10 km downwind were simulated with an atmospheric dispersion model, which were then used to calculate infectious risks during one-time and multiday exposure events. Simulations indicated that infectious risks would be the greatest for individuals closest to the center pivot as a result of a higher pathogen dose. Estimated infection risks were very low to near zero for people greater than 1 km downwind during daytime irrigation. Airborne pathogen exposure can be minimized by applying wastewaters during daylight hours when airborne pathogen inactivation from sunlight and dilution from higher wind speeds are greatest. 02 Livestock GRACEnet contributes to USDA technical bulletin. Technical guidelines and science-based methods are needed to determine greenhouse gas emissions and sinks from whole farming systems, including forestland that may be managed by producers. ARS members of Livestock Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement network (GRACEnet) from Bushland, Texas; Ames, Iowa; Florence, South Carolina; Kimberly, Idaho; and Madison, Wisconsin, were co-authors of �Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Animal Production Systems�. This was part of the USDA Technical Bulletin Number 1939, "Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Agriculture and Forestry: Methods for Entity-Scale Inventory". The document provides the scientific basis behind the development of a USDA tool (COMET Farm) to estimate entity- scale greenhouse gas fluxes.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Leytem, A.B., Dungan, R.S., Bjorneberg, D.L., Koehn, A.C. 2013. Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from an open-freestall dairy in Southern Idaho. Journal of Environmental Quality. 42:10-20.
- Shao, L., Wang, W., Griffiths, P.R., Leytem, A.B. 2013. Increasing the quantitative credibility of open-path FT-IR spectroscopic data with focus on several properties of the background spectrum. Journal of Applied Spectroscopy. 67(3):335-341.
- Dungan, R.S., Leytem, A.B. 2013. The characterization of microorganisms in dairy wastewater storage ponds. Journal of Environmental Quality. 42:1583- 1588.
- Kebreab, E., Hansen, A.V., Leytem, A.B. 2013. Feed management practices to reduce manure phosphorus excretion in dairy cattle. Advances in Animal Biosciences. 4(s1):37-41.
- Dungan, R.S. 2014. Estimation of infectious risks in residential populations exposed to airborne pathogens during center pivot irrigation of dairy wastewaters. Environmental Science and Technology. 48:5033-5044.
- Leytem, A.B., Dungan, R.S. 2014. Livestock GRACEnet: A workgroup dedicated to evaluating and mitigating emissions from livestock production. Journal of Environmental Quality. 43(4):1101-1110.
- Miguel, R.E., Dungan, R.S., Reeves, J.B., III. 2014. Mid-infrared spectroscopic analysis of chemically bound metalcasting sands. Journal of Analytical & Applied Pyrolysis. 107:332-335.
- Alves, B.S.Q., Dungan, R.S., Carnin, R.L.P., Galvez, R., de Carvalho Pinto, C.R.S. 2014. Metals in waste foundry sands and an evaluation of their leaching and transport to groundwater. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 225:1963.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The purpose of this project is to address atmospheric emissions of trace gases from concentrated dairy operations and manure management systems. The goal is to develop emissions factors which will allow decision makers to evaluate the contribution of these constituents from dairy production with other agricultural and industrial sectors and assist in long-term planning efforts aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions. Additionally, this project examines emissions of bioaerosols from dairy production facilities as well as airborne transport of pathogens during the reuse of dairy wastewater for crop irrigation. This information will be used to determine the potential for off site transport of bioaerosols and pathogens from dairy production, which is a community concern. The specific objectives and goals of the project are listed below (investigator involved and their time commitment). Objective 1. Determine emission rates of gases and bioaerosols from dairy operations. (Leytem 0.3, Dungan 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.2) � Research Goal 1.1. Estimate on-farm emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from dairy production facilities to determine emission factors that account for diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in emissions. � Research Goal 1.2. Compare gas monitoring equipment effects on estimates of ammonia and methane emissions. � Research Goal 1.3. Develop on-farm emissions factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy wastewater storage ponds based on wastewater characteristics, management practices, and climatic conditions. � Research Goal 1.4. Measure airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria, virus, and filamentous fungi and endotoxins downwind from a concentrated dairy operation to assess diurnal and seasonal variations. Objective 2. Utilize fecal contamination indicators to assess the downwind transport of pathogens in dairy wastewaters delivered via sprinkler irrigation systems. (Dungan 0.3, Leytem 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.1) � Research Goal 2.1. Assess the transport of aerosolized bacterial and viral pathogens generated during the land application of dairy wastewaters using sprinkler irrigation systems. Approach (from AD-416): A year long study will determine the emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from the barns and wastewater storage pond of a large freestall dairy. Additionally, bioaerosol transport from the barns to downwind locations will be assessed. The emissions of ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy liquid storage ponds will also be assessed in order to determine the factors affecting these emissions and develop better methods for predicting emissions from these systems. An assessment of the transport of pathogens from sprinkler irrigation of dairy wastewater will also be undertaken to determine the risk of pathogen drift to human receptors and potential health risks. A better understanding of the type and amount of constituents released into the air from animal production and manure storage areas are expected results. This information will allow us to develop emissions factors and assess the risk of pathogen drift from these systems. Significant progress has been made in 3 out of 4 objectives, all of which directly contribute to quantifying the extent of agricultural emissions of air pollutants. Under Objectives 1.1 and 1.4, emission factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide were developed for the housing area and wastewater storage ponds at a freestall dairy. The emission factors were subsequently published in a peer-reviewed journal. Under Objective 1. 3, methane and nitrous oxide emissions are currently being monitored at two dairy production facilities, which will continue through the next fiscal year. Under Objective 2, substantial progress has been made using a model to estimate the dispersion and transport of bioaerosols generated during the spray irrigation of dairy wastewaters. A peer-reviewed publication on this topic is anticipated in FY 2014. Accomplishments 01 Quantification of pathogens in dairy wastewaters. ARS researchers in Kimberly, Idaho, conducted a study to quantify pathogens in dairy wastewaters. Understanding the type and quantity of pathogens in wastewaters is important, as dairymen in the arid west typically apply their manure wastewaters through sprinkler irrigation. During irrigation events, the pathogens can become aerosolized and subsequently inhaled by exposed individuals. The data from our study indicates that a variety of zoonotic bacterial pathogens are present in most dairy wastewaters, but at relatively low concentrations. The results are a critical component of a quantitative microbial risk assessment that is currently being developed to estimate the risk of infection in individuals that are downwind from wastewater application sites. 02 Estimating trace gas emissions from dairy production. Concentrated dairy operations emit trace gases such as ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere which are a concern from human health and climate change perspectives. The implementation of air quality regulations in livestock-producing states increases the need for accurate on-farm determination of emission rates. ARS researchers in Kimberly, Idaho, determined the emission rates from the open-freestall and wastewater pond areas on a commercial dairy. The combined on-farm emissions on a per cow per day basis from the open-freestall and wastewater pond areas averaged 0.20 kg ammonia and 0.75 kg methane. Data from this study can be used to develop trace gas emissions factors from open-freestall dairies in southern Idaho and other open-freestall production systems in similar climatic regions. 03 Assessing model inputs to improve on farm emission rates of trace gasses. Inverse dispersion models are useful tools for estimating emissions from animal feeding operations, waste storage ponds, and manure application fields. Atmospheric stability is an important input parameter to such models. ARS researchers in Kimberly, Idaho, compared emission rates calculated with an inverse dispersion model (WindTrax) using three different methods for calculating atmospheric stability: sonic anemometer, gradient Richardson number, and Pasquill-Gifford stability class. Predicted emission rates were similar between the sonic anemometer and Richardson methods, while Pasquill-Gifford method resulted in emission rates that tended to be 50% to 100% greater. This research suggests that the gradient Richardson method may be used to determine atmospheric stability for inverse dispersion modeling if a sonic anemometer is not available.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Dungan, R.S., Klein, M., Leytem, A.B. 2012. Quantification of bacterial indicators and zoonotic pathogens in dairy wastewater ponds. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 78(22):8089-8095.
- Koehn, A.C., Leytem, A.B., Bjorneberg, D.L. 2013. Comparison of atmospheric stability methods for calculating ammonia and methane emission rates with WindTrax. Transactions of the ASABE. 56(2):763-768.
- Miguel, R.E., Ippolito, J.A., Porta, A.A., Noriega, R.B., Dungan, R.S. 2013. Use of standardized procedures to evaluate metal leaching from waste foundry sands. Journal of Environmental Quality. 42(2):615-620.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The purpose of this project is to address atmospheric emissions of trace gases from concentrated dairy operations and manure management systems. The goal is to develop emissions factors which will allow decision makers to evaluate the contribution of these constituents from dairy production with other agricultural and industrial sectors and assist in long-term planning efforts aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions. Additionally, this project examines emissions of bioaerosols from dairy production facilities as well as airborne transport of pathogens during the reuse of dairy wastewater for crop irrigation. This information will be used to determine the potential for off site transport of bioaerosols and pathogens from dairy production, which is a community concern. The specific objectives and goals of the project are listed below (investigator involved and their time commitment). Objective 1. Determine emission rates of gases and bioaerosols from dairy operations. (Leytem 0.3, Dungan 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.2) � Research Goal 1.1. Estimate on-farm emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from dairy production facilities to determine emission factors that account for diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in emissions. � Research Goal 1.2. Compare gas monitoring equipment effects on estimates of ammonia and methane emissions. � Research Goal 1.3. Develop on-farm emissions factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy wastewater storage ponds based on wastewater characteristics, management practices, and climatic conditions. � Research Goal 1.4. Measure airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria, virus, and filamentous fungi and endotoxins downwind from a concentrated dairy operation to assess diurnal and seasonal variations. Objective 2. Utilize fecal contamination indicators to assess the downwind transport of pathogens in dairy wastewaters delivered via sprinkler irrigation systems. (Dungan 0.3, Leytem 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.1) � Research Goal 2.1. Assess the transport of aerosolized bacterial and viral pathogens generated during the land application of dairy wastewaters using sprinkler irrigation systems. Approach (from AD-416): A year long study will determine the emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from the barns and wastewater storage pond of a large freestall dairy. Additionally, bioaerosol transport from the barns to downwind locations will be assessed. The emissions of ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy liquid storage ponds will also be assessed in order to determine the factors affecting these emissions and develop better methods for predicting emissions from these systems. An assessment of the transport of pathogens from sprinkler irrigation of dairy wastewater will also be undertaken to determine the risk of pathogen drift to human receptors and potential health risks. A better understanding of the type and amount of constituents released into the air from animal production and manure storage areas are expected results. This information will allow us to develop emissions factors and assess the risk of pathogen drift from these systems. Significant progress have been made on 4 out of 5 objectives of this project. Under Objectives 1a and 1b all trace gas data from a 10,000 cow freestall dairy has been compiled and emission estimates for greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide) and ammonia were calculated. Under Objective 1c, ammonia and greenhouse gas measurements are currently being taken from wastewater ponds at two daries. Under Objective 1d, monitoring of airborne concentrations of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin was completed at a freestall dairy operation and the results were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Progress is being made under Objective 2, however, current aerosol studies are being conducted using a bromide ion tracer to allow for the optimization of future wastewater experiments. Accomplishments 01 Culturable bacteria concentrations are not affected by sprinkler irrigation. ARS researchers in Kimberly, Idaho, conducted spray irrigation events of dairy wastewater to assess the impact on culturable bacteria concentrations. This research is important since many dairies, particularly those in the arid west, land apply their manure wastewaters using pressurized irrigation devices. During spray irrigation events, pathogens associated with the wastewater can become aerosolized and transported downwind, possibly causing infection in exposed individuals. In this study, the pre- and post-sprinkler bacteria concentrations were determined to be statistically similar in most cases, indicating that culturable viability was not affected when wastewater flowed through the sprinklers. The data suggests that the number of viable bacterial pathogens available for aerosolization will also not be affected by sprinkler type and pressure setting. The results from this study will be particularly useful to regulatory agencies who are performing microbial risk assessments. 02 Trace gas emissions at an open-freestall dairy. The implementation of a quality regulations in livestock-producing states increases the need for accurate on-farm determination of emission rates for trace gases. In thi study, ARS researchers in Kimberly, Idaho, determined emission rates for greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide) and ammonia from the animal housing and manure management sectors at an open-freestall commercial dairy. This study is the third completed study aimed at determining emissions from dairy production facilities representative of western dai production. The results from this research program have been submitted t the U.S. EPA for use to determine emission factors from dairy production facilities. An indirect result of this work has been that a scientist from our facility has been invited to serve on the U.S. EPA Scientific Advisory Board to review EPA�s methodologies for estimating air emission from animal feeding operations and selected by the USDA Climate Change Program Office to assist in the development of technical guidelines and scientific methods for the estimation of entity-scale greenhouse gas emissions. These activities will help our stakeholders obtain the maximu benefit from this research and assist both producers and regulators in determining realistic on farm emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gasses
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Leytem, A.B., Dungan, R.S., Moore, A. 2011. Nutrient availability to corn from dairy manures and fertilizer in a calcareous soil. Soil Science. 170:426-434.
- Dungan, R.S., Leytem, A.B., Bjorneberg, D.L. 2011. Concentrations of airborne endotoxin and microorganisms at a 10,000 cow open-freestall dairy. Journal of Animal Science. 89:3300-3309.
- Dungan, R.S., Bjorneberg, D.L., Leytem, A.B. 2011. Effect of sprinkler pressure and spray plate on culturable microorganism concentrations during simulated irrigation of dairy wastewater. Transactions of the ASABE. 54(5) :1669-1673.
- Dungan, R.S. 2012. Use of a culture-independent approach to characterize aerosolized bacteria near an open-freestall dairy operation. Environment International. 41(2012):8-14.
- Barbarick, K., Ippolito, J.A., Mcdaniel, J., Hansen, N., Peterson, G. 2012. Biosolids application to no-till dryland agroecosytems. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 150(2012):72-81.
- Miguel, R.E., Ippolito, J.A., Leytem, A.B., Porta, A.A., Banda Noriega, R. B., Dungan, R.S. 2012. Analysis of total metals in waste molding and core sands from ferrous and non-ferrous foundries. Journal of Environmental Management. 110:77-81.
- Carnin, R., Folgueras, M.R., Luvizao, R., Correia, S., Da Cunha, C., Dungan, R.S. 2012. Use of an integrated approach to characterize the physicochemical properties of foundry green sands. Thermochimica Acta. 543:150-155.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The purpose of this project is to address atmospheric emissions of trace gases from concentrated dairy operations and manure management systems. The goal is to develop emissions factors which will allow decision makers to evaluate the contribution of these constituents from dairy production with other agricultural and industrial sectors and assist in long-term planning efforts aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions. Additionally, this project examines emissions of bioaerosols from dairy production facilities as well as airborne transport of pathogens during the reuse of dairy wastewater for crop irrigation. This information will be used to determine the potential for off site transport of bioaerosols and pathogens from dairy production, which is a community concern. The specific objectives and goals of the project are listed below (investigator involved and their time commitment). Objective 1. Determine emission rates of gases and bioaerosols from dairy operations. (Leytem 0.3, Dungan 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.2) � Research Goal 1.1. Estimate on-farm emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from dairy production facilities to determine emission factors that account for diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in emissions. � Research Goal 1.2. Compare gas monitoring equipment effects on estimates of ammonia and methane emissions. � Research Goal 1.3. Develop on-farm emissions factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy wastewater storage ponds based on wastewater characteristics, management practices, and climatic conditions. � Research Goal 1.4. Measure airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria, virus, and filamentous fungi and endotoxins downwind from a concentrated dairy operation to assess diurnal and seasonal variations. Objective 2. Utilize fecal contamination indicators to assess the downwind transport of pathogens in dairy wastewaters delivered via sprinkler irrigation systems. (Dungan 0.3, Leytem 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.1) � Research Goal 2.1. Assess the transport of aerosolized bacterial and viral pathogens generated during the land application of dairy wastewaters using sprinkler irrigation systems. Approach (from AD-416) A year long study will determine the emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from the barns and wastewater storage pond of a large freestall dairy. Additionally, bioaerosol transport from the barns to downwind locations will be assessed. The emissions of ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy liquid storage ponds will also be assessed in order to determine the factors affecting these emissions and develop better methods for predicting emissions from these systems. An assessment of the transport of pathogens from sprinkler irrigation of dairy wastewater will also be undertaken to determine the risk of pathogen drift to human receptors and potential health risks. A better understanding of the type and amount of constituents released into the air from animal production and manure storage areas are expected results. This information will allow us to develop emissions factors and assess the risk of pathogen drift from these systems. Significant progress was made on both project objectives that address National Program 214, component 3, Atmospheric Emissions. Under Objective 1.1, gas measurements were completed at a 10,000 cow freestall dairy. Data are being processed to calculate ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emission rates. Under Objective 1.3, dairy cooperators have been identified and gas measurements were conducted for one week each month at wastewater ponds at two open-lot dairies. Under Objective 1.4, bioaerosol measurements at a large freestall dairy have been completed and published. Under Objective 2.1, sprinkler drift studies were conducted with a portable irrigation boom using irrigation water and a tracer to quantify water drift from various sprinkler types and operating conditions to optimize future experiments with wastewaters. Accomplishments 01 Airborne endotoxin and microorganism concentrations decrease rapidly downwind from a dairy. Airborne microorganisms could be a human health concerns near dairy farms. ARS researches at Kimberly, Idaho, measured bioaerosol concentrations at a freestall dairy to assess concentration changes downwind from the dairy and assess diurnal and seasonal variatio in concentrations. Results showed that airborne endotoxin and bacteria concentrations 150 ft from the dairy could be several-hundred times greater than background concentrations. These concentrations decreased t near background concentrations at 600 ft downwind. Although bioaerosol concentrations did not have a seasonal trend, concentrations did correla with meteorological factors such as temperature and solar radiation. These results suggest a reduced risk for exposure to bioaerosols as distance from dairy operations is increased, which is useful information for creating offset distances for new residential or commercial developments near dairy farms.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Shao, L., Liu, B., Griffiths, P.R., Leytem, A.B. 2011. Using multiple calibration sets to improve the quantitative accuracy of partial least squares (PLS) regression on open-path fourier transform infrared (OP/FT-IR) spectra of ammonia over wide concentration ranges. Applied Spectroscopy. 65(7):820-824.
- Moore, A.D., Olsen, N.L., Carey, A.M., Leytem, A.B. 2011. Residual effects of fresh and composted dairy manure applications on potato production. American Journal of Potato Research. Available:
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The purpose of this project is to address atmospheric emissions of trace gases from concentrated dairy operations and manure management systems. The goal is to develop emissions factors which will allow decision makers to evaluate the contribution of these constituents from dairy production with other agricultural and industrial sectors and assist in long-term planning efforts aimed at improving air quality and reducing emissions. Additionally, this project examines emissions of bioaerosols from dairy production facilities as well as airborne transport of pathogens during the reuse of dairy wastewater for crop irrigation. This information will be used to determine the potential for off site transport of bioaerosols and pathogens from dairy production, which is a community concern. The specific objectives and goals of the project are listed below (investigator involved and their time commitment). Objective 1. Determine emission rates of gases and bioaerosols from dairy operations. (Leytem 0.3, Dungan 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.2) � Research Goal 1.1. Estimate on-farm emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from dairy production facilities to determine emission factors that account for diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in emissions. � Research Goal 1.2. Compare gas monitoring equipment effects on estimates of ammonia and methane emissions. � Research Goal 1.3. Develop on-farm emissions factors for ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy wastewater storage ponds based on wastewater characteristics, management practices, and climatic conditions. � Research Goal 1.4. Measure airborne concentrations of culturable bacteria, virus, and filamentous fungi and endotoxins downwind from a concentrated dairy operation to assess diurnal and seasonal variations. Objective 2. Utilize fecal contamination indicators to assess the downwind transport of pathogens in dairy wastewaters delivered via sprinkler irrigation systems. (Dungan 0.3, Leytem 0.2, Bjorneberg 0.1) � Research Goal 2.1. Assess the transport of aerosolized bacterial and viral pathogens generated during the land application of dairy wastewaters using sprinkler irrigation systems. Approach (from AD-416) A year long study will determine the emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from the barns and wastewater storage pond of a large freestall dairy. Additionally, bioaerosol transport from the barns to downwind locations will be assessed. The emissions of ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide from dairy liquid storage ponds will also be assessed in order to determine the factors affecting these emissions and develop better methods for predicting emissions from these systems. An assessment of the transport of pathogens from sprinkler irrigation of dairy wastewater will also be undertaken to determine the risk of pathogen drift to human receptors and potential health risks. A better understanding of the type and amount of constituents released into the air from animal production and manure storage areas are expected results. This information will allow us to develop emissions factors and assess the risk of pathogen drift from these systems. This is a new project as of June 2010. Refer to prior project 5368-12630- 002-00D.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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