Using a vegetative environmental buffer to reduce the concentrations of volatile organic compounds in poultry-house atmospheric emissions

Authors: YAO, Q - University Of Maryland; TORRENTS, A. - University Of Maryland; LI, H. - University Of Delaware; BUSER, M. - University Of Oklahoma; MCCONNELL, L.L. - University Of Maryland; Downey, Peter; Hapeman, Cathleen

Submitted to: Journal of Food Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/4/2017
Publication Date: 6/29/2019
Citation: Yao, Q., Torrents, A., Li, H., Buser, M., McConnell, L., Downey, P.M., Hapeman, C.J. 2019. Using a vegetative environmental buffer to reduce the concentrations of volatile organic compounds in poultry-house atmospheric emissions. Journal of Food Chemistry. 66:8231-8236.

Interpretive Summary: Ground-level ozone is a pollutant that can cause severe respiratory problems especially among older adults, young children, and immunocompromised individuals. Ground-level ozone can also jeopardize forest growth and crops. It is formed when certain compounds known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with other pollutants in the air; this process is activated by sunlight. Much research has focused on the release and control of VOCs from hydrocarbon processing, but agricultural activities, such as poultry production, can also be VOC sources and potentially contribute to ozone pollution. Therefore, this study examines the emission of small VOC molecules emitted from poultry houses and the use of a vegetative environmental buffer (VEB) as a potential mitigation strategy. Experiments were conducted at two farms, one with and one without a VEB. Of the compounds measured, methanol, ethanol, and acetone were found to come primarily from the poultry houses and had the largest ozone formation potential (OFP). Furthermore, the OFP for methanol decreased more at the farm with the VEB. These results suggest that, besides serving as a visual barrier and particulate screen, VEBs can provide some control on VOCs emitted from poultry production. This work will be useful to poultry producers, extension agents, and those who develop standards for air quality protection and conservation practices.

Technical Abstract: Ground-level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with hydroxyl radicals and nitrogen oxides in the presence of ultraviolet light. Research has typically focused on the release and control of VOCs from hydrocarbon processing, however, agricultural activities, such as poultry production, can also be VOC sources and potentially contribute to ozone pollution. Therefore, this study examines the emission C2 - C6 VOCs emitted from poultry houses and the use of a vegetative environmental buffer (VEB) as a potential mitigation strategy. Sampling campaigns were conducted at two farms, one with and one without a VEB. Of the compounds measured, methanol, ethanol, and acetone were found to come primarily from the poultry houses and had the largest ozone formation potential (OFP), while additional local sources exist for a number of other compounds observed near the poultry houses. Furthermore, a substantial decrease in the OFP for methanol was observed as a function of distance from the poultry house at the farm with the VEB. These results suggest that, besides a visual barrier and particulate screen, VEBs can provide some control on VOCs emitted from poultry production.