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Published on: September 7, 2015
Coarse particulate matter emissions from cattle feedlots in Australia
S M McGinn1, T K Flesch, D Chen
1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1J 4B1. sean.mcginn@agr.gc.ca
Journal of Environmental Quality
|April 20, 2010
Summary
Cattle feedlots emit particulate matter (PM(10)), with daily concentrations sometimes exceeding health guidelines. Cattle activity, especially in the evening, drives peak PM(10) levels, while rain reduces emissions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Animal Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Open cattle feedlots are significant sources of airborne particulate matter (PM).
- Exposure to coarse particulate matter (PM(10)) at concentrations exceeding 50 µg/m³ over 24 hours poses human health risks.
- Understanding PM(10) emissions from livestock operations is crucial for environmental policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify PM(10) concentrations and emissions at two Australian cattle feedlots during summer.
- To identify factors influencing PM(10) generation and levels within feedlot environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized automated samplers to monitor background and in-feedlot PM(10) concentrations over several days.
- Employed a dispersion model to estimate PM(10) emissions at the in-feedlot location.
- Correlated PM(10) levels with cattle activity patterns and weather conditions (e.g., rain).
Main Results:
- Measured 24-hour average PM(10) concentrations that occasionally met or surpassed the Australian health threshold of 50 µg/m³.
- Observed peak PM(10) concentrations (up to 792 µg/m³) between 19:30 and 20:00 h, coinciding with increased cattle activity.
- Documented a significant reduction in PM(10) concentration and emission following rainfall.
Conclusions:
- Cattle feedlot operations can generate PM(10) levels that pose a public health concern.
- Cattle activity is a primary driver of short-term PM(10) emission spikes.
- Dispersion modeling estimated PM(10) emissions ranging from 31 to 60 g/animal/day, providing valuable data for environmental management.
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