Suitability of dust and bioaerosols from a pig stable as inoculum for biological air filters

Biofiltration for removing ammonia and odour compounds from ventilation air of pig stables is a promising approach. In order to reduce the time for starting up a well-functioning biofilter a good inoculum suited for the environment is needed. In this study the microbial identity and quantity of dust and bioaerosols coming from a pig stable were analyzed for its suitability as inoculum. Inoculation of biofilters with dust had similar good ammonia removal capabilities as biofilters inoculated with activated sludge, although analysis of the microbial dust community revealed clear differences. The organic fraction of the dust particles seems to be important for mediating biofilm development on the filter material.