Parameters determining the performance of passive flux samplers proposed as a tool to estimate N₂O emissions: evaluation at farm level and perspectives

The passive flux sampling is an economic and easy way to estimate gas emissions from agriculture sources. In the last decade, specific passive flux samplers (PFSs) have been developed to estimate nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agriculture sources. Packed with silica gel and zeolite 5A, the PFSs were placed facing the emission source direction close to the ventilation shafts. For validation, air samples were taken at different sampling time during 3 days on two commercial sites. The adsorbed mass of N₂O in PFSs was recovered by thermal desorption in the laboratory. Results indicated that the mass of N₂O adsorbed in PFSs was from 1.5 to 5.5 μg. A specific adsorption pattern was observed for each sampling. In farm 1, the mass of N₂O adsorbed in the PFSs presented a linear behavior as a function of sampling time, and the most determined coefficient values were higher than 0.80. In farm 2, in addition to the sampling time, the N₂O concentration and the air flow rate presented an effect on the mass adsorbed in the PFSs. On the other hand, comparison of PFSs versus other techniques indicated that PFSs offer different advantages. However, the selectivity and capacity of the adsorbent bed used need to be improved to enhance the use of PFSs proposed as a tool to estimate N₂O emissions. Graphical Abstract PFSs enabled N₂O sampling that followed a linear behavior as a function of sampling time. Sampling time, [N₂O], and air flow rate determined the mass of N₂O collected in PFSs.