Institute of

AT Agricultural Technology

Characterisation of gases, dust and bio-aerosols

High concentrations of gases, dust and bio-aerosols in stables stress the animals and when emitted also the environment. We measure and characterize these air pollutants to identify potentials for theirs reduction. We also develop new methods for this purpose.

Colourised scanning electron micrograph (10,000-fold) of a bio-aerosol probe from a chicken house. Distinguishable are bacteria (magenta), feather fragments (orange) and litter, food and feces particles.

The limitation of the concentrateions of harmful air pollutants from animal husbandry is determined in German and international regulations. In the “Tierschutz-Nutztierhaltungsverordnung“ concentrations of 13.9 mg/m³ (20 ppm) for ammonia and 5400 mg/m³ (3000 ppm) for carbon dioxide in the breathing area of the animals are given. This value should not permanently exceeded. In EMAP / EEA emission inventory guidebook for particulate emissions species specific loads are listed as assessment values for maximum pollution. There are no such data for bio-aerosols. However, in many federal states approval processes for construction or expansion of animal housings include also the assessment of potential environmental effects caused by airborne micro-organisms. These procedures often include measurements of emissions and immissions as well as calculation of the dispersal of bio-aerosols by computer models and health assessment.

At rising numbers of animals a limitation of air pollutants succeeds only by reduction of emissions. We generate adequate data as a basis for this. Characterisation of gaseous or particulate emissions, monitoring of emission loads or validation of dispersion models are objects of many of our projects. We also develop new and improve existing methods for sampling and detection of bio-aerosols.

Contact

Dr. rer. nat. Marcus Clauß

Gallery Characterisation of gases, dust and bio-aerosols

Immission measurements in winter thanks to tempered impingers

Bio-aerosol measurement in animal houses with Coriolis sampler

Dust and gas measurements in animal house air

Immission measurements of gases, dust and bio-aerosols with different sampling systems

Measurement of ammonia in animal house air

Transmitted light microscopy of a bio-aerosol particle from pig house air

Fluorescence microscopy of a bio-aerosol particle from pig house air

Fluorescence microscopy of a skin scale from pig house air

Some mould spores between toner particles

Tracer particles for the validation of dispersion models

Emission measurements in an exhaust shaft

Projects

What are the sizes of bio-aerosols?

“What is the size of bio-aerosols?” The answer to this question is not easy to give, because bio-aerosol particles are composed of many different components as viruses, bacteria, moulds, pollen and debris of plants and animals, each with different sizes. It is an important question, too, because the effects of bio-aerosols on human health are depending also on the particle size. For example, large bio-aerosol particles get already stuck in the nose or mouth which may cause a common cold, but small particles can get deep into the lungs and in the worst case may induce pneumonia.

Tracing the flight of bioaerosols

Planned construction of animal housings lead more and more often to resistance in the local population. The reason: Emission of bioaerosols. We develop measuring systems to collect valid data and provide them for health assessment.

Automated measurement of bio-aerosols

Planned construction of animal houses lead more and more often to resistance in the local population. The reason: Emission of bio-aerosols. We develop measuring systems to collect valid data and provide them for health assessment.

How good is the air quality in animal houses?

Poor air quality in stables can harm the respiratory ducts of farm animals; lung function impairment is also a recognised occupational disease of farmers and veterinarians. We investigate the composition of air in animal houses to improve air quality and prevent diseases.

Bio-aerosols around the clock

Automated measurement of fluctuations of the bio-aerosol concentration at animal houses during the course of the day

Research Equipment

Characterization of gases, dust and bio-aerosols

Here you find information about the large technical equipment in the field of characterization of gases, dust and bio-aerosols. We have a microbiological laboratory (S2) and test tubing systems for dust and bio-aerosols, as well as a multitude of systems for measurement and sampling of different air pollutants. These include commercially available and certified systems as well as in-house developments.

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