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Submitted to: American Association for Aerosol Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/27/2016 Publication Date: 10/20/2016 Citation: Silva, P.J., Lovanh, N.C. 2016. Particle size distributions in and exhausted from a poultry house. American Association for Aerosol Research. 574. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Here we describe a study looking at the full particulate size range of particles in a poultry house. Agricultural particulates are typically thought of as coarse mode dust. But recent emphasis of PM2.5 regulations on pre-cursors such as ammonia and volatile organic compounds increasingly makes it necessary to look at the full particle size range. This study was performed at a poultry house using wood chips as the bedding material. Particle size distributions were obtained using a scanning mobility particle sizer for the small size range (0.01 – 0.5 'm) and an aerodynamic particle sizer for the larger size range (0.3 – 20 'm). In addition, optical particle counters were placed inside and outside the house at an exhaust fan to assess the concentrations and changes in particle size distribution in the house compared to emitted particles. Data was obtained for the entirety of a flock of birds (six weeks) followed by cleanout of the house. Results indicate that particle size distributions and number concentrations both changed significantly over the time period. Particle size distributions and mass concentration had a tendency to increase as the study continued. Large spikes in coarse particle concentrations were observed at times correlated to bird activity and dust generation. We expected that the constant presence of background particles in addition to high concentrations of ammonia and other gases would mean that secondary production of aerosol would be limited to accumulation on pre-existing particles, however some evidence for new particle formation was observed. |
