Application of proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry to the assessment of odorant removal in a biological air cleaner for pig production

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Mar 14;60(10):2599-606. doi: 10.1021/jf300182c. Epub 2012 Mar 6.

Abstract

There is an urgent need to develop odor reduction technologies for animal production facilities, and this requires a reliable measurement technique for estimating the removal of odorants. The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate the application of proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) for continuous measurements at a biofilter from SKOV A/S installed at a pig production facility. PTR-MS was able to handle the harsh conditions with high humidity and dust load in a biofilter and provide reliable data for the removal of odorants, including the highly odorous sulfur compounds. The biofilter removed 80-99% of carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, and indoles and ca. 75% of hydrogen sulfide. However, only ~0-15% of methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide was removed. In conclusion, PTR-MS is a promising tool that can be used to improve the development of biological air cleaning and other odor reduction technologies toward significant odorants.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Air Conditioning / instrumentation
  • Air Conditioning / methods*
  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Odorants / analysis*
  • Swine / growth & development

Substances

  • Air Pollutants