Journal of Animal Environmental Science ISSN:1226-0274(Print) 축산시설환경학회지

Livestock accounted for six of the top ten agricultural products in South Korea, reflecting its significant role in the sector. However, industrialization and specialization in livestock farming have increased livestock manure production and odor complaints. Key odorants include ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and methyl mercaptan, with ammonia being the most prevalent. Ammonia not only causes odor but also contributes to PM_2.5 formation, impacting environmental quality. This study aimed to measure ammonia emission factors during livestock manure composting using a flux chamber. Current Korean air pollution testing standards specify methods such as non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy and solution conductivity for ammonia measurement, but real-time, quasi-continuous monitoring alongside other greenhouse gases requires specialized sensors. A laser-based ammonia sensor, measuring every 67.5 seconds with a 0-100 ppm range, was tested for reliability against the NIOSH Method 6015. Measurements were conducted in a cattle manure aerated static pile facility at three locations using both the laser sensor and solid sorbent tubes. Sampling took place in June 2023 over 2.5 hours. Average sensor readings were 1,236.1, 962.2, and 1,142.7 ppb, while sorbent tube results were 1,227.4, 975.7, and 1,162.1 ppb, respectively. The overall average error was within 1%. The results confirm that the laser sensor provides ammonia measurements comparable to the standard method, supporting its potential for real-time monitoring of emissions from manure composting.