VOC concentrations downwind of beef feedlots during intense odour events

Odour is a growing concern downwind of beef cattle feedlots. A research project was conducted to quantify concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) downwind of feedlots during intense odour events. Ambient air samples were collected using sorbent tubes and analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Phenol and p-cresol had the highest concentrations of all VOCs, and were measured both onsite and 6.5 km downwind at 200 to 500 parts per trillion by volume. Odour was present 14.5 km downwind of the feedlot even when all compounds were below their respective published odour thresholds, indicating that either the published odour thresholds are too high, or there is an additive effect when multiple VOCs are combined at trace concentrations.

Proc. 14th International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) World Congress 2007, 18th Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) Conf.

Parker, D. B., Buser, Z., Caraway, E., Rhoades, M., Olsen, M., Casey, K., Spears, J., & Green, G.

Parker, DB||Buser, Z||Caraway, E||Rhoades, M||Olsen, M||Casey, K||Spears, J||Green, G

VOC concentrations downwind of beef feedlots during intense odour events Conference Paper