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2026 Vol.28, Issue 1 Preview Page

Review article

Flux chamber methods for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from composting piles: Applicability, challenges, and future perspectives
Abera Jabessa Fufa1
,
Jinho Shin2
,
Riuh Wardhani1
,
Seongjun Park3
,
Heekwon Ahn4*
1Doctoral Student, Department of Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Dajeon 34134, Republic of Korea
2Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Animal Biosystems Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Dajeon 34134, Republic of Korea
3Master’s Degree Student, Dept. of Livestock Environmental Science & Technology, Chungnam National University,99,Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
4Professor, Department of Animal Biosystems Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Dajeon 34134, Republic of Korea
*Corresponding Author
30 April 2026. pp. 43-54
PDF XML Citation
Abstract

The increasing concern over greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from composting piles has underscored the need for accurate quantification methods. This review assesses the applicability of flux chamber techniques as reliable tools for measuring GHG emissions during composting. Flux chambers are widely used because of their practicality, cost-effectiveness, and straightforward design; however, their accuracy depends on several factors, including chamber dimensions, airflow rate, recovery efficiency, gas properties, and environmental conditions, such as moisture and temperature. Two main types (static and dynamic chambers) are discussed, along with their respective strengths and limitations. Reported studies show that flux chambers can achieve high accuracy, with recovery efficiencies of 97-100% when airflow rates are maintained between 2 and 5 L/min. Nevertheless, challenges remain in capturing spatial and temporal variability, which can lead to underestimations or overestimations. To address these issues, protocol standardization, calibration, and careful chamber placement are recommended in future studies. Emerging alternatives, such as passive diffusion flux chambers, may help overcome the limitations of traditional designs. Overall, the combination of flux chambers with complementary methods, such as micrometeorological or eddy covariance techniques, can enhance their reliability. These improvements can facilitate more accurate emission assessments and contribute to sustainable waste management and climate change mitigation strategies.

Keywords
Climate change
Composting pile
Environment
Flux chamber
Greenhouse gas emissions
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Information
  • Publisher :The Korean Society of Animal Environmental Science & Technology
  • Publisher(Ko) :(사)한국축산환경학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Animal Environmental Science
  • Journal Title(Ko) :축산시설환경학회지
  • Volume : 28
  • No :1
  • Pages :43-54
  • Received Date : 2026-03-19
  • Revised Date : 2026-04-23
  • Accepted Date : 2026-04-23
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.11109/JAES.2026.28.1.043
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