Work

Mitigation of NH3 emission from pig house using a rice husk biochar column and fertilizer potential of collected biochar

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: NH 3 emissions have significant implications for ecosystems and human health. Pig houses are important sources of NH 3 emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the NH 3 adsorption capacity of rice husk biochar (RHB), its effectiveness in mitigating NH 3 emission from pig house using a RHB column, and the fertilizer potential of the collected RHB for maize growth. In a laboratory assay, NH 3 adsorption by RHB was measured using a closed chamber where NH 3 was diffused from NH 4 OH. NH 3 adsorption in RHB packed in column was the highest at a flow rate of 2.0 L min −1 (6.52 mg g −1 ). H 2 SO 4 -mixed RHB enhanced NH 3 adsorption by 41.7% compared to RHB alone. When compared the efficiency of RHB column in NH 3 emission, the emission reduced by 34.5% and 58.2%, respectively, after passing RHB and H 2 SO 4 -mixed RHB columns compared to that measured without column (0.59 g d −1 ). In a pig house setting, NH 3 concentration after passing the columns of control, RHB, and H 2 SO 4 -mixed RHB was in average 14.8, 8.5, and 3.9 mg m −3 , respectively, during experiment period. Cumulative emissions were reduced by 42.6% and 73.3% using RHB and H 2 SO 4 -mixed RHB columns, respectively. The application of RHBs collected from the column significantly increased dry matter and crude protein production in maize, with notable enhancement by H 2 SO 4 -mixed RHB application. These results demonstrate the integrated effectiveness of RHB application in NH 3 management, in which NH 3 emissions from the pig house are adsorbed using RHB column, and the NH 3 -adsorbed RHB collected from column is recycled through the soil to support plant growth.

Source: The Science of The Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180310

Authors: Sang-Hyun Park, Tae-Hwan Kim, Huimang Song, Bok-Rye Lee

Institutions: Chonnam National University, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science

Language: English

Topic: Odor and Emission Control Technologies

Subfield: Process Chemistry and Technology

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250