Work

Characterization and Impact of Meteorological Environmental Parameters on Gas Concentrations (NH3 and CH4) in a Maternity Pig Farm in Southeastern Spain

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Intensive pig production generates significant emissions of ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4), gases with both environmental and health impacts, primarily originating from slurry storage lagoons and their management. This study monitored a maternity pig farm over a 360 day period, using sensors located next to the slurry storage lagoon (Sensor 4) and in the immediate external surroundings of the facility, while simultaneously recording environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, wind, and precipitation). The results showed that concentrations at the lagoon were thousands to tens of thousands of times higher than those measured in the surrounding area, with temperature and relative humidity emerging as key factors that increase volatilization and microbial generation, especially in summer under medium humidity conditions. Precipitation and wind modulate concentrations through resuspension and dispersion processes. Overall, the slurry storage lagoon constitutes the primary hotspot of emissions, and proper sensor placement is essential to accurately estimate its real impact, while integrating climatic and spatial conditions is crucial for designing and implementing effective mitigation strategies in intensive pig production systems.

Source: Agriculture

DOI: 10.3390/agriculture16030349

Authors: Melisa Gómez-Garrido, Martire Angélica Terrero Turbí, Isabel María Fernández Bastida, Ángel Faz Cano

Institution: Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena

Language: English

Topic: Odor and Emission Control Technologies

Subfield: Process Chemistry and Technology

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137