Particulate Emissions From Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), including open beef cattle feedlots, swine facilities, and poultry facilities, can emit large amounts of particulate matter, including TSP (total suspended particulates), PM₁₀ (particulate matter with equivalent aerodynamic diameter of 10 mm or less) and PM_2.5 (particulate matter with equivalent aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 mm or less).  The nature and amount of particulate emissions depend on the type and number of animals, design and operation of the confinement facility, climatic and weather conditions, among others.  This presentation will provide an overview of current knowledge and measurement challenges on particulate emissions from CAFOs.  Results of recent and current research on beef cattle feedlots – measurement and monitoring of particulate concentrations and particle size distribution; determination of particulate emission rates from cattle feedlots; and evaluation of effectiveness of water sprinkler systems, pen surface treatments, and vegetative barriers in mitigating particulate emissions and/or reducing downwind concentrations – will also be discussed.