Current livestock production techniques release a large variety of volatile organic compounds to the atmosphere. This release results in complaints due to their odorous nature and has been identified as a source of surface water pollution as these compounds are absorbed from the air. Ammonia has been identified as the compound of greatest concern relative to water pollution and is of considerable interest relative to odor complaints due to its ease of measurement and its relationship to more odorous gas evolution. Gas sampling and measuring schemes based upon the use of solid absorbents were studied. Use of an absorbent suspended in a stainless steel screen container which could be exposed in an atmosphere to be sampled showed promise. The evolution of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and odorous volatiles was investigated as a function of beef cattle ration. Addition of essential oil, mint oil, was found to mask the odor of fresh manure. Mint oil was carried in the urine. Ammonia evolution from fresh manure was largely from urine. Fecal contributions became significant only after significant decomposition had occurred. A technique was devised for measuring ammonia evolution rates from surfaces. This measurement proved an accurate measure of anaerobic biological activity and provided a quantitative means for comparing treatment procedures designed to minimize volatile material evolution rates. Evolution rates for a variety of surfaces associated with livestock production enterprises were measured.

"Prepared by Oregon State University, Agricultural Engineering Department, under grant no. S-802009." Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-69).