Development of an Odor Abatement System for Swine Manure Treatment Facilities

Raising hogs is considered a major source of income of a farmhouse in the Korean agricultural industry. But, despite of very important to the agricultural industry, odors emitted from pig production facilities are a nuisance to the neighbors. This research was conducted to solve the problem of public grievance owing to odor of a pig farm. Odor emissions from pig production systems mainly originate from liquid manure storage and solid manure fermentation. Most of the odor components that are emitted from pig production operations are byproducts of anaerobic or aerobic decomposition. An offensive odor evokes a wide range of physiological and emotional reactions. Odor reduction techniques may be needed to reduce the odor emission rate or disperse odor faster and more effectively before they reach a sensitivity neighbors. Bio-filters reduce odor emissions. Since many bio-filter applications are in the industrial market, little information is available for designing low-cost systems for agricultural use. The low-cost odor abatement system (OAS) for application at liquid manure storage tank and solid manure fermentation facilities was developed in this study. The OAS adapted odor removing principles of a biofilter and biotrickling filter. The OAS is very simplified in structure. The appearance of the OAS had a form of cylindrical or cubical shape. The system performance was monitored for about one year after stabilization. A 7-seconds empty bed contact time for the OAS was adapted to achieve the odor reduction levels. The commercial type of OAS was constructed with media comprised of wood chips. Moisture content always remained above 50% wet basis. Average ammonia removal efficiency for the developed design was 89% at the liquid manure storage tank. Also, the removal efficiency at a solid manure fermentation facility was 86% on ammonia.