Exposure level and emission characteristics of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in poultry buildings of South Korea

The purpose of this study is to estimate the concentrations and emission rates of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide released from poultry buildings situated in South Korea by field investigation. Mean concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide emitted from poultry buildings were 18.8 (±4.90) ppm and 945 (±519) ppb for caged layer house, 15.2 (±3.21) ppm and 603 (±274) ppb for broiler house, and 6.45 (±1.85) ppm and 247 (±184) ppb for layer house with manure belt, respectively. Seasonal variations in concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in poultry building were observed highest in winter, lowest in summer (p < 0.01). Based on animal unit (AU), mean emission rates of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide were 4493 (±2095) mg AU^-'1 h^-'1 and 4493 (±2095) mg AU^-'1 h^-'1, respectively. Those of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in terms of poultry building area were 278 (±130) mg m^-'2 h^-'1 and 12.3 (±9.20) mg m^-'2 h^-'1, respectively. Exposure level and emission rate of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide were highest in caged layer house, followed by broiler house and layer house with manure belt (p < 0.05). This finding implicates that the caged layer house among types of poultry building in South Korea should be managed optimally to lessen generation of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide.