Concentration and Size Distribution of Particulate Matter in a Broiler House Ambient Air

Abstract

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is an important constituent of ambient air. The determination of its concentration and size distribution in different environments is essential because of its ability to penetrate deeply into animal and human respiratory tract. In this study, air sampling was performed in a broiler house to estimate the concentration and size distribution of PM emitted along with its activities. Low-vol impactor (< 10 mm), cyclones (< 2.5 e < 1.0 mm), and Sioutas cascade impactor (> 2.5; 1.0 – 2.5; 0.50 – 1.0; 0.25 – 0.50; < 0.25 mm) connected with membrane pumps were used. PM₁₀ showed high concentration (209 - 533 mg m^-3). PM_2.5 and PM_1.0 initially showed relatively low concentration (20.8 and 16.0 mg m^-3 respectively) with significantly increasing levels (412.9 and 344.8 mg m^-3 respectively) during the samplings. It was also possible to observe the contribution of fine particles. This was evidenced by the high correlation between PM_2.5 and PM_1.0 and by the profile of particle distribution in the Sioutas sampler. PM concentration levels are considered excessively high, with great potential to affect animal and human health.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v8i3.847