Agricultural Emissions Study (August-September 2005,
Ames, IA)
During August and September 2005, we took our our
aerosol mass spectrometer
to Ames, Iowa to study particulate emissions from a pig barn. This
was a collaborative project headed by Gail Bingham of
Space Dynamics Laboratory
. Others involved in the project include Randy Martin, of the Utah
Water Research Laboratory, Larry Hipps, from the Department of Meteorology,
and various people associated with the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) in Ames. As part of this project, SDL used a LIDAR system to
measure particle plumes coming from the barns. Our research group along
with Dr. Martin acquired data on particle sizes and chemical composition
to better characterize the particle plumes emanating from the barns. Dr.
Hipps took state-of-the-art meteorological measurements with sonic anemometers
and other equipment to understand micro-eddys causing particle transport.
In addition to the AMS, the trailer taking chemical and size measurements
included a URG denuder system for particles and gases, an R&P carbon
analyzer for determination of EC and OC, and a number of optical particle
counters (OPCs) for particle number concentration determination.
Ames Site:
The Ames sampling site was located on the property of a pig barn. On
the right, you can see the sampling shed that was put together by SDL and
contained the particle sampling equipment as well as a meterological station
on the top of the trailer. Below, a view of the inside of the trailer,
showing the AMS, NOx and ozone boxes, and the EC/OC analyzer. (Another
cramped trailer!)
Below you can see pictures of the pig barns as well as some of the residents
while we were sampling.
Data analysis of the Ames data is ongoing. We have many comparisons
of data to perform and some modeling to do to determine emission rates from
the barns.
This page was last updated: October, 20, 2005
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