2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this proposed research are to:. 1)Measure the emission rates/fluxes of particulate matter (PM), selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and GHGs from open-lot cattle feedlots in Kansas and. 2)Characterize the chemical nature of particulate matter emitted from commercial cattle feedlots. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1) Measurement of the concentration profiles of PM10 and PM2.5 in a commercial feedyard - within facility and/or downwind edge of the facility. a) Quasi-continuous – tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOMs); and b) Time-averaged – low-volume federal reference method (FRM) samplers. 2) Measurement of the concentration profiles of greenhouse gases (i.e., CO2, N2O, CH4) and selected VOCs (i.e., phenols) - within facility and/or edge-of- facility boundaries. a) Canisters – for GHGs; and b) Sorbent tubes – for selected VOCs. 3) Meteorological tower equipped with eddy covariance instrumentation to be set up within or on the downwind edge of the facility. a) 3-D sonic anemometer; b) Open-path CO2/H2O gas analyzer; and c) Temperature profile. 4) Characterization of particulates and partitioning of VOCs from PM as a function of particle size using Raman spectroscopy. 3.Progress Report In 2010, we began in earnest a field intensive sampling program at a large cattle feedlot operation (40,000 head) in central Kansas monitoring the emissions of ammonia, greenhouse gases, and select Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). There have been several obstacles to overcome such as placement of monitoring towers and weather. In the first sampling, September 2009, the monitoring tower was placed on the northern boundary of the facility since the wind came predominately out of the South; unfortunately, wind during that sampling period came only out of the North. Data gathered during that time was used to characterize the background concentration of gases. The monitoring tower was moved this year to the middle of feedlot inside one of the animal pens (based on our recommendation from previous work we preformed at the facility). The placement of the tower in the center of the feedlot inside one of the animal pens ensured our measurements would not be as susceptible in missing emission plums due to wind flow patterns. This year we traveled to the feedlot facility in May, June, July, and August and we plan on another sampling in late October/early November. Data is currently being analyzed. Monitoring Activities:. 1)PI and my group engaged in a discussion early in the year through both phone calls and emails over the location of the tower and duration of each sampling event; 2)PI for project designated a field manager to contact us on a monthly basis once the sampling season started; and. 3)My group coordinated the logistics of sampling personnel and equipment of other ARS locations associated with this project (i.e., Beltsville, MD; Bowling Green, KY; and Florence, SC) with phone calls and emails prior to each sampling event.