Emissions of particulate matter from animal houses in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, emissions from animal houses represent a major source of ambient particulate matter (PM). The objective of the present paper was to provide accurate and up to date concentrations and emission rates of PM10 and PM2.5 for commonly used animal housing systems, under representative inside and outside climate conditions and ventilation rates. We set up a national survey which covered 13 housing systems for poultry, pigs, and dairy cattle, and included 36 farms. In total, 202 24-h measurements were carried out, which included concentrations of inhalable PM, PM10, PM2.5, and CO2, ventilation rate, temperature, and relative humidity. On an animal basis, geometric mean emission rates of PM10 ranged from 2.2 to 12.0 mg h−1 in poultry and from 7.3 to 22.5 mg h−1 in pigs. The mean PM10 emission rate in dairy cattle was 8.5 mg h−1. Geometric mean emission rates of PM2.5 ranged from 0.11 to 2.41 mg h−1 in poultry and from 0.21 to 1.56 mg h−1 in pigs. The mean PM2.5 emission rate in dairy cattle was 1.65 mg h−1. Emissions are also reported per Livestock Unit and Heat Production Unit. PM emission rates increased exponentially with increasing age in broilers and turkeys and increased linearly with increasing age in weaners and fatteners. In laying hens, broiler breeders, sows, and dairy cattle, emission levels were variable throughout the year.