Temporal distribution characteristics of odorous compounds in swine houses of South Korea

In this study, ammonia was observed at the highest levels (the annual mean, 13.9 × 103 ppb) among other offensive odorous compound regardless of the types of swine house and seasons, followed by fatty acids (139.9 ppb), sulfuric odorous compounds (52.3 ppb), volatile organic compounds (27.5 ppb), and trimethyl amine (24.5 ppb). Furthermore, hydrogen sulfide among sulfur compounds, methyl ethyl ketone among volatile organic compounds, and propionic acid and n-butylic acid among fatty acids were observed to the highest level of several hundreds of ppb. In particular, five aldehydes (acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, n-valeraldehyde, and i-valeraldehyde) among the 22 offensive odor-generating compounds were not detected in any season. The levels of odorous compounds were the highest in winter (Dec. –Feb.) and lowest in summer (June–Aug.). For comparison of overall distribution regarding concentrations of odorous compounds by ventilation type and manure removal mode, relatively lower concentrations were observed in swine houses with forced ventilation or with scrapper type. Our findings ind icate that annual monitoring for these odorous compounds would be necessary for establishment of control strategy. Also, installation of active ventilation, as well as the increase of removal frequency of pig manure could contribute to lower concentrations of odorous compounds in swine buildings.
Source: Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research