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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #102644
Title: AIR QUALITY AROUND ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS

Author
item Hatfield, Jerry
item Pfeiffer, Richard
item Prueger, John

Submitted to: Effects of Animal Feeding Operations on the Environment US Geological Survey
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/2/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Air quality has become one of the primary issues surrounding the development and operation of animal feeding operations. These concerns range from nuisance due to odor complaints to health associated with small-sized particulates (2.5 mm). However, there are many unknowns about air quality surrounding animal feeding operations. Some of these are: type and amount of gases and particulates that are emitted, effect of changing management systems on the emission and dispersion rates, effect of changing atmospheric conditions on the emission and dispersion rates, and effect of seasonal changes on the emission and dispersion characteristics. Dispersion characteristics of the atmosphere are the major determinants in changing concentrations downwind from the source. This has also proven to be one of the major challenges in placing the sampling equipment in the plume in order to represent the proper conditions. Sampling of air has proven to be a critical part of the development of methods for quantifying air quality. Long-term observations of air quality in animal feeding operations are needed to develop a baseline of emissions.