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Title: HYDROGEN SULFIDE CONCENTRATION IN VICINITY OF BEEF CATTLE FEEDLOTS

Author
item KOELSCH, RICHARD - UNIV NEBRASKA-LINCOLN
item Woodbury, Bryan
item STENBERG, DAVID - UNIV NEBRASKA-LINCOLN
item Miller, Daniel
item SCHULTE, DENNIS - UNIV NEBRASKA-LINCOLN

Submitted to: Beef and Sheep Research Report
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2003
Publication Date: 1/15/2004
Citation: KOELSCH, R.K., WOODBURY, B.L., STENBERG, D.E., MILLER, D.N., SCHULTE, D.D. HYDROGEN SULFIDE CONCENTRATION IN VICINITY OF BEEF CATTLE FEEDLOTS. NEBRASKA BEEF AND SHEEP RESEARCH REPORT, 74-77. 2004.

Interpretive Summary: This research gathered field data on sulfur in the atmosphere near Nebraska feedlots. Observations were compared with current regulatory thresholds for Nebraska. An attempt was made to identify factors that influence these levels. Observations were made on three Nebraska feedlots during spring, summer and fall conditions. Peak levels were detected during mid-afternoon probably due to increased soil temperatures. Wet feedlot surface conditions did not appear to increase levels. Based on these observations, sulfur levels in the vicinity of beef cattle feedlots are not likely to exceed Nebraska regulatory thresholds.

Technical Abstract: A field survey of total reduced sulfur (TRS) concentrations in the vicinity of beef cattle feedlots was conducted to compare field observations against current regulatory thresholds. In addition, environmental factors that may contribute to increased TRS emissions were evaluated. It was observed that TRS levels in the vicinity of beef cattle feedlots are not likely to exceed current regulatory thresholds used by mid-western states. It was further noted that concentration of TRS varies with air temperature and time of day. However, wet feedlot surface conditions and wind speed had almost no impact upon observed concentrations.