Figure 1. Photos of the biofilters located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and...
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Figure 1. Photos of the biofilters located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center (left), compost media (top right) and straw media (bottom right). TotalSulfur(m g kg -1 ) 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 Straw C om post 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 SoilProfile Position (cm ) 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Straw C om post Below A djacent Nitrogen and Sulfur Capture and Accumulation in Biofilters Treating Aerial Emissions from Swine Production Facilities Adelheid E. West, J. Clemn Turner, Jeffory A. Hattey Department of Plant and Soil Science, Oklahoma State University 374 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078 **The biofilters are treating aerial emissions from houses located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center. Horizontal lines indicate standard errors of the LS MEANS for 16 samples (4 sample locations ×4 replications) for both treatments. Acknowledgements Biofiltration is used to reduce ammonia (NH 3 -N) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) emissions from livestock facilities. Current research evaluates the effectiveness of a biofiltration system as percentage total target gas removed from the inlet air. Alternative loss pathways from a single-layer open biofiltration system operating under field conditions are not addressed. The objectives are (1) to compare the NH 3 -N, nitrate (NO 3 -N), total nitrogen (TN), total sulfur (TS) and total organic carbon (TC) content of the straw and compost biofilter media and (2) to compare the NH 3 -N, NO 3 -N and TN and TS present in the soil below and adjacent to the biofilters. Four replications of straw and compost media were sampled with the media divided into top half, bottom half, and soil surface litter. The soil below and adjacent to the biofilter was sampled at the depths of 0- 5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm. All samples were analyzed for NH 3 -N, NO 3 -N, TN, TS and TC. Straw media NH 4 -N and NO 3 -N, TN and TS content increased while TC content decreased with depth. The compost media had similar concentrations of NH 4 -N throughout the media profile while NO 3 -N concentration higher in the bottom half and soil surface litter. The compost media has a stable TC and TN content. Under both media the concentration of NH 3 -N, NO 3 -N and TN were greater than in the soil adjacent to the biofilter. Sulfur concentrations were higher adjacent to the biofilter than below the media. The capacity of a media to capture and accumulate inorganic- N and S appears to be different based on the availability of carbon. The inorganic-N concentration is significantly greater beneath the biofilter than outside the biofilter regardless of media, while TS concentration was greater adjacent to the biofilter. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES Compare the TC, TN and TS contained in the utilized biofilter media compared to the original media. Measure the TC, TN, TS, NH 4 -N and NO 3 -N present in soil cores below and adjacent to the biofilter. Gain an understanding of the processes and loss pathways present in an open biofiltration system operating under field conditions. CONCLUSIONS While both treatments contained higher concentrations of NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N and TS than their respective controls indicating additions of N and S to the media, the straw and compost demonstrated differences in the total concentration of NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N and TS present in the media as well as unique concentration profile differentiation (Figure 4 and 5). The differences in the concentration of NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N and TS present in the media as well as the soil below and adjacent to the biofiltration units is most likely due to the biological activity of media specific microbial populations as indicated by the relationship of inorganic-N and TS to TC (Figure 6 and 7). The elevated presence of NO 3 -N below the biofilter, with lesser concentrations adjacent to the biofiltration system (Figure 8) suggests that a clay, concrete or plastic liner should be installed below the biofilter to collect the leachate. A liner with leachate piped to the animal waste storage lagoon would be an appropriate alteration of the current single layer open biofiltration system. Both below and adjacent to the straw biofilter the TS concentration is lower than in the soils below and adjacent to the compost biofilter, however TS concentration adjacent to the biofilter is higher than below the biofilter for both treatments (Figure 9). The prevention of H 2 S passage through the biofilter and subsequent deposition could be mitigated through increased moisture control of the media which would facilitate the transfer of H 2 S into the biofilm. RESULTS The straw biofilter media varied significantly among replications for NO 3 -N, TS, P (P>0.05) and K (P>0.001) and showed no significant differences for the other nutrients tested. When compared to the STC, significant differences were observed for Ca and Cu (P>0.05), NO 3 -N, Mn and TC (P>0.01), and all other nutrients and minerals were significant at P>0.001. Differences in LS MEANS of the STC vs. replications are much greater than the differences observed among only the straw media replications The compost media was significantly different among replications as well as WCH, COM and MIX controls (P>.001) for all nutrients tested except Na, which was not significant in any comparison. The pH in the straw biofilters ranges from 6.728 to 7.23 and from 6.979 to 7.323 in the compost biofilters. The pH of both biofilters is not inhibitory to heterotrophic mesophiles. Elevated levels of inorganic-N were observed below the biofilters while TS concentrations were higher adjacent to the biofiltration units. All samples were analyzed for NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N, TS, TN and TC content. NH 4 -N and NO 3 -N were analyzed using a Latchat ® Quick Chem ® (Milwaukee, WI) flow injection analysis. TN and TC were measured using dry- combustion using a Leco ® CN analyzer (St. Joseph, MI). Total S and other minerals (P, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Sample Analysis Sampling Method Four replications of straw and compost biofilter media and adjacent soils were sampled (Figures 2 and 3). The soil below the biofilter was sampled using a bucket auger due to limited access. The exterior soils were sampled with a trench type soil sampling technique due to high gravel content. Treatment refers to the type of biofilter media (Straw or Compost) while position described the profile positions which are the top, bottom, surface and the subsequent soil sampling depths. Location describes the individual points at which the media and/or soil was sampled. Control samples were taken for the straw and compost treatments to provide information on compositional changes within the media. The control for the straw biofilter was wheat straw (STC) The controls for the compost were woodchips (WCH), compost (COM) and a 50:50 mixture of compost to woodchips by weight (MIX). No control was included for the soil samples due to the heterogeneity of the site. The biofilters are located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center. The facility was constructed in November of 2004 and the biofilters have been operational since that time. Study Site METHODS INTRODUCTION Industrial agricultural production has led to the proliferation of large confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). High concentrations of animals in a small geographic area has resulted in noticeable emissions of airborne pollutants; these airborne emissions in large enough quantity can have a detrimental effect on the environment, human health and decrease livestock production while increasing the costs of food production. Biofiltration is a low cost method of mitigating the harmful byproducts of CAFO’s. A better understanding of the pathways and processes involved in the biofiltration of malodorous and hazardous compounds is vital to increasing the effectiveness of this alternative air pollution technology. Current research does not address the loss pathways of nitrogen (N) or sulfur (S) from the biofiltration system. It is vital that the biofiltration process result in the release of non-hazardous compounds into the surrounding soil or atmosphere. To ensure the effectiveness of the process the target compounds should be retained within the biofilter media or vented to the atmosphere in a non-hazardous form (for example: NH 3 →N 2 ). Open single-layer biofiltration systems are currently utilized at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center to minimize NH 3 and H 2 S emissions and odors from animal production facilities. Average emissions from these facilities contain 5ppm NH 3 and 25ppb H 2 S (Carter, 2008). To ensure the efficacy of biofiltration as an emission mitigation technology the possibility that the compounds in question may alter exposure pathways must be explored. USDA-CSREES Special Research Grant provided the financial support for this research. Kyle Blankenship, Jace Harris, Rhonda Gerig and the OSU Soil Testing Lab for assistance in data collection and analysis. 5.03 m 2.44m 15 cm 45 cm Target Gas Inlet Loc 1 Loc 7 Loc 6 Loc 2 Loc 3 Loc 4 Loc 5 Loc 8 Loc 9 Loc 10 Figure 2. Top view of sampling points within (Location 1-4) and adjacent (Location 5-10) to the biofiltration unit. The biofilters are located at Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center for removal of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide from house emissions. Media – Straw or Compost Target Gas Inlet Air Space 1 2 3 4 5 6 4 5 6 1 – top half of media 2 – bottom half of media 3 – surface litter 4 – 0-5cm of soil 5 – 5-10cm of soil 6 – 10-15cm of soil Figure 3. Side view of the sampling layout of the biofilter media, soil below and soil adjacent to a biofiltration system for the removal of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center. The top half of the media, bottom half of the media and media on the soil surface are referred to as top, bottom and surface, respectively. Soil Ni) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry analysis following digestion (Dewil et al., 2006; Rossete et al., 2008). The pH of the media samples were measured using a 10:1 ratio of 0.01 M CaCl 2 to solids, while the soil samples were measured at a 2:1 ratio of 0.01 M CaCl 2 to soil. NH 4 -N (m g kg -1 ) 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Profile Position top bottom surface 2.5 7.7 12.5 NO 3 -N (m g kg -1 ) 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 Straw 1 Straw 2 Com post1 Com post2 TotalCarbon (% ) 0 10 20 30 40 50 Inorganic N itrogen (m g kg -1 ) 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 Straw Top Straw Bottom Straw Surface Com postTop Com postBottom Com postSurface Straw Surface O utliers Straw R 2 =.4562 Com postR 2 =.0000 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 SoilProfile Position (cm ) 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 InorganicN itrogen (m g kg -1 ) 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Straw N H 4 -N Com postN H 4 -N Straw N O 3 -N Com postN O 3 -N Below A djacent TotalCarbon (% ) 0 10 20 30 40 50 TotalSulfur(m g kg -1 ) 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 Top Straw Bottom Straw Surface Straw Top Com post Bottom Com post Com postSurface Straw R 2 =.4814 Com postR 2 =.0000 TotalSulfur(m g kg -1 ) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 Profile Position top bottom surface 2.5 7.7 12.5 Straw 2 Straw 1 Com post1 Com post2 Figure 9. Total sulfur content of soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.** Figure 8. Inorganic-N content of soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.** Figure 7. The total carbon and total sulfur content for all biofilter media samples (N=96). The profile position of all samples is represented. Samples are divided into the top and bottom half of the media as well as the surface litter below the biofilter. Figure 5. Total sulfur content of the media as well as soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.* Figure 4. Inorganic-N content of the media as well as soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.* Figure 6. The total carbon and inorganic-N content for all biofilter media samples (N=96). The profile position of all samples is represented. Samples are divided into the top and bottom half of the media as well as the surface litter below the biofilter. Two outliers in the surface layer of the straw biofilter media have been omitted from the regression and are denoted by crossed circles. *Straw 1 and Compost 1 are the sampling points within and below the media. Straw 2 and Compost 2 are the sampling points adjacent to the biofilters. Media at the top, bottom and surface depths are unequally spaced, while soil at 2.5, 7.5 and 12.5 cm depths are equally spaced. Horizontal lines indicate standard errors of the LS MEANS for 16 samples (4 samples locations × 4 replications) for both treatments. Compos t Straw
Transcript of Figure 1. Photos of the biofilters located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and...
Figure 1. Photos of the biofilters located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center (left), compost media (top right) and straw media (bottom right).
Total Sulfur (mg kg-1)0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30
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Straw Compost
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Nitrogen and Sulfur Capture and Accumulation in Biofilters Treating Aerial Emissions from Swine Production Facilities
Adelheid E. West, J. Clemn Turner, Jeffory A. Hattey Department of Plant and Soil Science, Oklahoma State University
374 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078
**The biofilters are treating aerial emissions from houses located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center. Horizontal lines indicate standard errors of the LS MEANS for 16 samples (4 sample locations ×4 replications) for both treatments.
Acknowledgements
Biofiltration is used to reduce ammonia (NH3-N) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions from livestock facilities. Current research evaluates the effectiveness of a biofiltration system as percentage total target gas removed from the inlet air. Alternative loss pathways from a single-layer open biofiltration system operating under field conditions are not addressed. The objectives are (1) to compare the NH3-N, nitrate (NO3-N), total nitrogen (TN), total sulfur (TS) and total organic carbon (TC) content of the straw and compost biofilter media and (2) to compare the NH3-N, NO3-N and TN and TS present in the soil below and adjacent to the biofilters. Four replications of straw and compost media were sampled with the media divided into top half, bottom half, and soil surface litter. The soil below and adjacent to the biofilter was sampled at the depths of 0- 5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm. All samples were analyzed for NH3-N, NO3-N, TN, TS and TC. Straw media NH4-N and NO3-N, TN and TS content increased while TC content decreased with depth. The compost media had similar concentrations of NH4-N throughout the media profile while NO3-N concentration higher in the bottom half and soil surface litter. The compost media has a stable TC and TN content. Under both media the concentration of NH3-N, NO3-N and TN were greater than in the soil adjacent to the biofilter. Sulfur concentrations were higher adjacent to the biofilter than below the media. The capacity of a media to capture and accumulate inorganic-N and S appears to be different based on the availability of carbon. The inorganic-N concentration is significantly greater beneath the biofilter than outside the biofilter regardless of media, while TS concentration was greater adjacent to the biofilter.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVESCompare the TC, TN and TS contained in the utilized biofilter media compared to the original media.
Measure the TC, TN, TS, NH4-N and NO3-N present in soil cores below and adjacent to the biofilter.
Gain an understanding of the processes and loss pathways present in an open biofiltration system operating under field conditions.
CONCLUSIONSWhile both treatments contained higher concentrations of NH4-N, NO3-N and TS than their respective controls indicating additions of N and S to the media, the straw and compost demonstrated differences in the total concentration of NH4-N, NO3-N and TS present in the media as well as unique concentration profile differentiation (Figure 4 and 5).
The differences in the concentration of NH4-N, NO3-N and TS present in the media as well as the soil below and adjacent to the biofiltration units is most likely due to the biological activity of media specific microbial populations as indicated by the relationship of inorganic-N and TS to TC (Figure 6 and 7).
The elevated presence of NO3-N below the biofilter, with lesser concentrations adjacent to the biofiltration system (Figure 8) suggests that a clay, concrete or plastic liner should be installed below the biofilter to collect the leachate. A liner with leachate piped to the animal waste storage lagoon would be an appropriate alteration of the current single layer open biofiltration system.
Both below and adjacent to the straw biofilter the TS concentration is lower than in the soils below and adjacent to the compost biofilter, however TS concentration adjacent to the biofilter is higher than below the biofilter for both treatments (Figure 9). The prevention of H2S passage through the biofilter and subsequent deposition could be mitigated through increased moisture control of the media which would facilitate the transfer of H2S into the biofilm.
RESULTSThe straw biofilter media varied significantly among replications for NO3-N, TS, P (P>0.05) and K (P>0.001) and showed no significant differences for the other nutrients tested. When compared to the STC, significant differences were observed for Ca and Cu (P>0.05), NO3-N, Mn and TC (P>0.01), and all other nutrients and minerals were significant at P>0.001. Differences in LS MEANS of the STC vs. replications are much greater than the differences observed among only the straw media replications
The compost media was significantly different among replications as well as WCH, COM and MIX controls (P>.001) for all nutrients tested except Na, which was not significant in any comparison.
The pH in the straw biofilters ranges from 6.728 to 7.23 and from 6.979 to 7.323 in the compost biofilters. The pH of both biofilters is not inhibitory to heterotrophic mesophiles.
Elevated levels of inorganic-N were observed below the biofilters while TS concentrations were higher adjacent to the biofiltration units.
All samples were analyzed for NH4-N, NO3-N, TS, TN and TC content. NH4-N and NO3-N were analyzed using a Latchat® Quick Chem® (Milwaukee, WI) flow injection analysis. TN and TC were measured using dry-combustion using a Leco® CN analyzer (St. Joseph, MI). Total S and other minerals (P, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and
Sample Analysis
Sampling MethodFour replications of straw and compost biofilter media and adjacent soils were sampled (Figures 2 and 3). The soil below the biofilter was sampled using a bucket auger due to limited access. The exterior soils were sampled with a trench type soil sampling technique due to high gravel content. Treatment refers to the type of biofilter media (Straw or Compost) while position described the profile positions which are the top, bottom, surface and the subsequent soil sampling depths. Location describes the individual points at which the media and/or soil was sampled. Control samples were taken for the straw and compost treatments to provide information on compositional changes within the media. The control for the straw biofilter was wheat straw (STC) The controls for the compost were woodchips (WCH), compost (COM) and a 50:50 mixture of compost to woodchips by weight (MIX). No control was included for the soil samples due to the heterogeneity of the site.
The biofilters are located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center. The facility was constructed in November of 2004 and the biofilters have been operational since that time.
Study Site
METHODS
INTRODUCTIONIndustrial agricultural production has led to the proliferation of large confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). High concentrations of animals in a small geographic area has resulted in noticeable emissions of airborne pollutants; these airborne emissions in large enough quantity can have a detrimental effect on the environment, human health and decrease livestock production while increasing the costs of food production.Biofiltration is a low cost method of mitigating the harmful byproducts of CAFO’s. A better understanding of the pathways and processes involved in the biofiltration of malodorous and hazardous compounds is vital to increasing the effectiveness of this alternative air pollution technology. Current research does not address the loss pathways of nitrogen (N) or sulfur (S) from the biofiltration system. It is vital that the biofiltration process result in the release of non-hazardous compounds into the surrounding soil or atmosphere. To ensure the effectiveness of the process the target compounds should be retained within the biofilter media or vented to the atmosphere in a non-hazardous form (for example: NH3 →N2). Open single-layer biofiltration systems are currently utilized at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center to minimize NH3 and H2S emissions and odors from animal production facilities. Average emissions from these facilities contain 5ppm NH3 and 25ppb H2S (Carter, 2008). To ensure the efficacy of biofiltration as an emission mitigation technology the possibility that the compounds in question may alter exposure pathways must be explored.
USDA-CSREES Special Research Grant provided the financial support for this research.Kyle Blankenship, Jace Harris, Rhonda Gerig and the OSU Soil Testing Lab for assistance in data collection and analysis.
5.03 m
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45 cm
Target GasInlet
Loc 1
Loc 7
Loc 6
Loc 2
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Loc 4
Loc 5 Loc 8
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Figure 2. Top view of sampling points within (Location 1-4) and adjacent (Location 5-10) to the biofiltration unit. The biofilters are located at Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center for removal of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide from house emissions.
Media – Straw or Compost Target Gas Inlet
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1 – top half of media2 – bottom half of media3 – surface litter4 – 0-5cm of soil5 – 5-10cm of soil6 – 10-15cm of soil
Figure 3. Side view of the sampling layout of the biofilter media, soil below and soil adjacent to a biofiltration system for the removal of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide located at the Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education Center. The top half of the media, bottom half of the media and media on the soil surface are referred to as top, bottom and surface, respectively.
Soil
Ni) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry analysis following digestion (Dewil et al., 2006; Rossete et al., 2008). The pH of the media samples were measured using a 10:1 ratio of 0.01 M CaCl2 to solids, while the soil samples were measured at a 2:1 ratio of 0.01 M CaCl2 to soil.
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Straw TopStraw BottomStraw Surface Compost TopCompost BottomCompost Surface Straw Surface Outliers Straw R2=.4562Compost R2=.0000
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Top StrawBottom StrawSurface Straw Top Compost Bottom Compost Compost SurfaceStraw R2=.4814Compost R2=.0000
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Figure 9. Total sulfur content of soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.**
Figure 8. Inorganic-N content of soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.**
Figure 7. The total carbon and total sulfur content for all biofilter media samples (N=96). The profile position of all samples is represented. Samples are divided into the top and bottom half of the media as well as the surface litter below the biofilter.
Figure 5. Total sulfur content of the media as well as soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.*
Figure 4. Inorganic-N content of the media as well as soil below and adjacent to the biofilters.*
Figure 6. The total carbon and inorganic-N content for all biofilter media samples (N=96). The profile position of all samples is represented. Samples are divided into the top and bottom half of the media as well as the surface litter below the biofilter. Two outliers in the surface layer of the straw biofilter media have been omitted from the regression and are denoted by crossed circles.
*Straw 1 and Compost 1 are the sampling points within and below the media. Straw 2 and Compost 2 are the sampling points adjacent to the biofilters. Media at the top, bottom and surface depths are unequally spaced, while soil at 2.5, 7.5 and 12.5 cm depths are equally spaced. Horizontal lines indicate standard errors of the LS MEANS for 16 samples (4 samples locations × 4 replications) for both treatments.
Compost
Straw
