Laser-Based Sensors for Monitoring Livestock Ammonia Emissions

The total global anthropogenic ammonia air emissions are estimated to be 43 million tons per year, with animal agriculture responsible for more than any other source and comprising approximately 50% of the total. The majority of ammonia emissions come from livestock operations, especially Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) like large dairies, poultry and swine operations, and cattle feedlots. A recent NRC Report identified ammonia emissions from CAFOs are a serious economic and social problem because they are a human and animal health hazard, as well as an ecological and environmental pollutant. And yet, scientists, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders lack appropriate diagnostic tools for measurement of ammonia. The key challenge in measuring ammonia emission is the appropriate sensors that must measure ammonia concentration in real time at multiple locations, combine sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, affordability, ruggedness, autonomous operation without sample preparation, low-power consumption, an ability to work for long periods of time without calibration or maintenance, and to withstand environmental impact while installed outdoors. The purpose of the project is to remove the shortcomings in the currently available tools for monitoring atmospheric ammonia emissions and develop a reference standard for ammonia measurement technology. The use of such technology would significantly improve domestic ammonia air emission inventories, which would lead to sensible regulation and efficient emission mitigation strategies.