Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Researchers, educators, and extension specialists interested in nitrogen recovery and reuse. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Publications are in preparation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?An experiment is planned to collect swine urine with a sloped scraper sytem from 25 pigs and test the effect of several urease inhibitors on the preservation of urea.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Biochemical Methane Potential Evaluation of Source Separated Swine Manure Solids Concentrated swine farm operations produce sizeable amounts of manure, which are commonly treated using anaerobic lagoons which have been associated with a number of adverse environmental and health problems. The recent introduction of a separation system, known as a scraper, allows for the collection of manure without added water either as scraped solids (SS) and scraped liquids or as whole slurry (WS). A biochemical methane potential (BMP) test was conducted in order to determine the methane potential of these two substrates, at two different mesophilic temperatures of 25C and 35C. Average net methane production was found to be 279, 442, 297, 272 mL per gram of VS added for SS-25C, WS-25C, SS-35C and WS-35?C, respectively. Two separate single-factor ANOVA tests determined there was no statistical significant difference among WS and SS, for both tested temperatures. While not significantly different, greater methane production from the WS-25C treatment was attributed to acclimatization of this treatment. Additionally, high variability within treatments was attributed to heterogeneity in the collected manure samples. Urease Inhibition A major source of pollution and loss of nutrient value from animal manure results from the conversion of urea nitrogen into gaseous ammonia by the urease enzyme that occurs when urine and feces are mixed. Numerous studies have looked at various ways to inhibit the urease enzyme's activity in an effort to preserve the nitrogen content of manure during storage, processing and transport. Many of these studies focus on urease activity in soil with regard to fertilizer application to prevent the volatilization of ammonia from fields, but few have studied urease inhibition in manure slurries directly from the barn prior to processing as fertilizer. Our study observed the effects of pH on urease activity relative to several other commercially available inhibitors for urea in an aqueous solution. We also compared the activity of urease across a range of pH values in a urea solution, then explored the effect of high and low pH on urease activity in freshly collected urine. The results of our experiments demonstrate a wide range of pH values for which urease activity occurs. We also observed that pH values above and below this range are effective at permanently inactivating the urease enzyme. Finally we conducted our experiments with both freshly collected swine urine and a 6% urea solution and found similar urease enzyme activity in both, suggesting that a urea solution may be a suitable alternative for study when fresh urine is unavailable.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Das, L., P. Kolar, J. A. Osborne, R. R. Sharma-Shivappa, J. J. Classen. 2016. Selective oxidation of lignin into aromatic aldehydes using niobium oxalate. Transactions of the ASABE, 59(2): 724-735. (doi: 10.13031/trans.59.10908)
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hu, D. L. Wang-Li, O.D. Simmons, J.J. Classen, J.A. Osborne. 2016. Size distributions of bioaerosols in an egg production facility and its vicinity Environmental Engineering Science. 33(4): 15-223.

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Research scientists and engineers as well as professionals in the animal production and nutrient management fields. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The second generation demonstration reactor will be constructed, tested, and used to exhibit the technology to stakeholders. The anaerobic digestion trials will be completed and results will be translated for use in the LCA and economic models.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A reactor to demonstrate the operation of a hydrophobic gas-permeable membrane was built and operated as a batch process. Test runs showed ammonia was transferred from swine wastewater to the acid recovery fluid but results showed discrepancies in the two liquid volumes. Investigations showed that aqueous liquids, wastewater and acid, can pass through the membrane with as little as 5 PSI differential pressure across the membrane. Rather than continue testing the same membrane material, we investigated the best membrane material and configuration for this purpose. With help from Zeus Inc., four different membrane configurations were evaluated for ability to withstand pressure while maintaining integrity and the air flow rate through the membrane when subject to pressure. The membrane that provided the best performance was selected for use in a revised demonstration reactor. Efforts were initiated to build a conceptual model of the interaction of various manure management components. Performance of individual components will be tested independently and the results used to build a combined life cycle anaylsis and economic analysis of the resulting system. Materials were collected and test reactors built to evaluate anaerobic digestion of different components of swine manure. The goals and scope of the LCA were established.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Das, L., P. Kolar, J. A. Osborne, R. R. Sharma-Shivappa, J. J. Classen. 2016. Selective oxidation of lignin into aromatic aldehydes using niobium oxalate. Transactions of the ASABE, 59(2): 724-735. (doi: 10.13031/trans.59.10908).
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hu, D., L. Wang-Li, O.D. Simmons, J.J. Classen, and J.A. Osborne. 2015. Spatiotemporal variations of bioaerosols in the vicinity of an animal feeding operation facility in the U.S. Journal of Environmental Protection. 6, 614-627. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jep.2015.66056.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Classen, J.J. 2015 Sustainable waste practices. International Innovation 189, 57-59. http://www.internationalinnovation.com/sustainable-waste-practices/
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Fitzgerald, S., Kolar, P., Classen, J.J., Boyette, M.D., and Das, L. 2015. Gasified swine manure char as an adsorbent for mitigation of p-cresol. Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy 34(1) 125-131.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience:Research scientists and engineers as well as professionals in the animal production and nutrient management fields. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Construction of the demonsration reactor will be completed and recovery of ammonia from various wastewater sources will be quantified. A new project will be initiated to determine the best mix of technologies to recover value from swine manure that is removed from barns as separated solids and liquids using a scraper system.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Ammonia from swine wastewater can be recovered in a hydrophobic gas-permeable tubular membrane as described in the patent application by Vanotti and Szogi (Vanotti, M.B. and Szogi, A.A, US Patent Application SN 13/164,363, June 20, 2011, "Systems and Method for Reducing Ammonia Emissions from Liquid Effluents and for Recovering Ammonia", the Patent Assignee is the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture). The design of a farm-scale demonstration reactor was the focus of our effort this year. We conducted laboratory experiments to determine the mass transfer coefficient of the membrane used by Vanotti and Szogi and the effect of wastewater pH on the system. Results showed a significant impact of pH but were more variable than expected. While a new experimental design procedure was being developed, we proceeded to design the reactor based on demonstration needs rather than on the need to treat a specific volume in a specific amount of time.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hu, D., Wang-Li, L., Simmons, O.D., Classen, J.J., Osborne, J.A., Byfield, G.E., 2014. Bioaerosol concentrations and emissions from tunnel ventilated high-rise layer operation houses in the United States. Transactions of the ASABE 57(3): 915-925.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Liang, W., Shah, S.B., Classen, J.J. and Sharma-Shivappa, R., 2014. Drying temperature-duration impacts on moisture, carbon, and nitrogen losses from broiler litter. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal 16(4): 16-23.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Liang, W., Classen, J.J., Shah, S.B., and Sharma-Shivappa, R., 2014. Ammonia fate and transport mechanisms in broiler litter. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. 225: 1812. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1812-x.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Classen, J.J., Chandler, W.J., Huie, R.S., and Osborne, J.A., 2013. A centrifuge-based procedure for suspended solids measurements in animal wastes. Transactions of the ASABE 56(2): 747-752.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Research scientists and engineers as well as professionals in the animal production and nutrient management fields. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results were published in scientific journals and will be incorporated into appropriate courses. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Plans for the next reporting period include begnnng the development of a protocol to synthesize the mpacts of adopting various manure management and resource recovery operations. This protocol wll include technical performance, economic expecatons, analysis of the impacts on the larger food animal system, and analyss of the expected adopton rates and the barriers to adoption.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We improved the understanding of ammonia emissions from poultry litter through a series of laboratory experiments. We also quantified the adsorpton of p-cresol, an odorant model, on bio-char.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Das, L., Kolar, P., Classen J.J., and Osborne, J.A. 2013. Adsorbents from pine wood via K2CO3-assisted low temperature carbonization for adsorption of p-cresol. Industrial Crops and Products 45: 215-222.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Liang, W., Shah, S.B., Classen, J.J., and Sharma-Shivappa, R. 2013. Modeling ammonium adsorption on broiler litter and cake. Water Air and Soil Pollution 224: 1405.
• Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Classen, J.J. and Lal, H. 2012. Agricultural Waste Management Systems and Software Tools, In: Waste Management  An Integrated Vision, ed. Luis Fernando Marmolejo Rebellon. InTech.com.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Ammonia emission from poultry houses is a major air quality concern. In poultry litter, uric acid converts to urea which hydrolyzes to NH3; a fraction of NH3 protonates to ammonium. Moisture content (MC), dissociation constant, and Henry's law constant affect NH3 partitioning among solid, liquid and gas phases. The dissociation constant (Kd) and Henry's Law constant (Kh) that are so well known for dilute aqueous solutions may not apply to broiler litter which has much higher ionic concentration. The research quantified Kd, Kh and ammonia sorption at different MC in broiler litter in replicated lab experiments. Dissociation constant in litter slurry was 1.02E-10, 20% of the dissociation constant in aqueous solution, which may be due to ammonia / ammonium adsorption and reduced activities of the dissolved ions. Henry's Law constant (0.0158 atm/M) in litter slurry was 4% lower than Kh in dilute aqueous solution. Ammonia sorption increased with MC from 0% to 25% due to Van der Waals force and hydrogen (H) bonding; maximum ammonia-nitrogen sorption was 4,230 mg/kg at 25% MC (dry-basis) and then decreased with increasing MC up to 55%, which may be due to the decrease of H bonding. Litter at 0% MC adsorbed more than 2,800 mg/kg of ammonia-nitrogen, more than sorbed by litter with MC greater than or equal to 45%. PARTICIPANTS: Sanjay Shah of North Carolina State University collaborated on this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The results of the ammonia sorption work will help researchers to simulate litter nitrogen dynamics in litter more accurately which will increase understanding regarding how to reduce emissions from poultry barns and improve air quality.

Publications

• Liang, W., Shah, S.B., Classen, J.J., and Sharma-Shivappa, R. 2013. Modeling ammonium adsorption on broiler litter and cake. Water Air and Soil Pollution 224: 1405.
• Classen, J.J. and Lal, H. 2012. Agricultural Waste Management Systems and Software Tools, In: Waste Management - An Integrated Vision, ed. Luis Fernando Marmolejo Rebellon. InTech.com.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Many of the manure and sludge samples cannot be accurately analyzed for solids components because they are too thick to flow, measure and filter according to conventional methods. Work was begun on developing new laboratory procedures using a centrifuge to help separate the solid and liquid fraction for better handling and analytical results. Although such procedures have been used in the lab, there is no documentation of the procedure, results or limitations in the literature. Work also began on experiments to determine the dynamic interactions of ammonia and poultry litter. How ammonia partitions among air, liquid and solid phases present in poultry litter impacts how we should design strategies to reduce release of reactive nitrogen from these systems. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Accurate analysis of solids, nutrients and microbial population and activity of sludge samples is expected to speed work on evaluating alternative sludge management practices that will enable producers to manage lagoon sludge and make the best use of the materials.

Publications

• Guerdat, T.C., Losordo, T.M., Classen, J.J., Osborne, J.A., and Delong, D.P., 2010. An evaluation of commercially available biological filters for recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquacultural Engineering, 42(1):38-49.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Work continued on developing an integrated approach to measuring and improving sustainability of animal production and manure management systems. The initial attempt at the life cycle inventory of swine feed production, based on literature values found significant variation in values and in the way data were reported; a more rigorous investigation of primary sources is needed. Verification of the integrity of sludge samples obtained with a revised sampler was completed. Results confirm that with careful operation of the device, discreet samples from six inch thick layers can be collected without interference. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Careful sample collection and analysis of nutrients and microbial population and activity is expected to lead to alternative sludge management practices that will enable producers to maintain proper working levels in lagoons without the operational interruptions experienced with complete cleanout of sludge.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Work continued on developing an integrated approach to measuring and improving sustainability of animal production and manure management systems. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been selected as the basis of the integrated approach. The first step in LCA is the life cycle inventory (LCI) of swine feed production, which has been initiated in 2008. The analysis of biosolids disposal with respect to biofuel feedstock production at the local wastewater treatment plant was completed in 2008. Modeling results suggest a strong impact on crop yields to both irrigation and fertilization. The modeling approach considers other aspects of the farming component at the WWTP since such an operation does not only consider yield and income in decision making. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Modeling of the farming component of a large wastewater treatment plant suggests that by growing canola instead of wheat and switchgrass instead of fescue, biofuel feedstock production can be a significant output of the farm. Oil crop production on the farm could support biodiesel conversion of up to 4 times the diesel fuel used on the farm.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
Work began on developing an integrated approach to measuring and improving sustainability of animal production and manure management systems. A project was initiated with the City of Raleigh to develop a spreadsheet tool that will help determine the best use of the farm land associated with the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant with respect to bio-energy crop production. Work was also initiated to develop ways to precisely sample and measure the bottom sludge component of animal waste lagoons with the goal of improving operation and cleanout procedures. We have developed a sampler that can take undisturbed samples from any depth in a lagoon within approximately a six inch span.

Impacts
We have made progress in technical and procedural aspects of improving operation of animal waste lagoons. We have also begun work that will result in practices that will improve the sustainability of food animal production while maintaining the high productivity of the industry.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Work continues on development of the underfloor belt system that separately recovers feces and urine and on utilization of these resources. Work was completed on a project funded by the Animal & Poultry Waste Management Center. The objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of stripping ammonia for recovery from the waste liquids collected by the belt system. Bench-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different operating conditions, including pH, temperature and air flow rate on ammonia stripping in relation to the characteristics of the liquid waste stream. A countercurrent stripping tower process was tested at laboratory scale. In a countercurrent system, liquid enters at the top of the tower and clean air enters at the bottom. The air exiting the reactor at the top is in contact with the highest concentration in the liquid, and therefore has the highest equilibrium concentration of NH3. The liquid exiting the reactor at the bottom of the column is in contact with the cleanest air, and will therefore have the lowest equilibrium concentration in the liquid. Operating conditions of pH 7.6 - 10.5, temperatures of 45 - 64 C (113-147F), and gas:liquid flow volume ratio (G:L) of 80 were evaluated. Adjustment of pH was accomplished by addition of commercial lye (approx. 100% NaOH). Lye was used to avoid scaling problems associated with lime addition. The system was operated as a batch process. Liquid was recirculated, and removal efficiency vs. time of operation was determined by analysis of ammonia in the liquid stream. Liquid volumes were monitored to account for water evaporation. Liquid flow rate was set at 16 gal/hr (1.0 L/min), which is equivalent to a loading rate of 1.35 gal/ft2-min (5.5 cm/min). Higher liquid flow rates caused foaming and liquid build-up in the bottom of the column. A gas flow rate of 2.8 cfm (80 L/min) was used in the tests. Results demonstrated up to 0.8 g N per minute could be removed by air stripping, depending on the pH and temperature used in the process. Calculations suggested that a continuous flow system could improve efficiency once operational parameters are established. Since additional chemicals on a farm are always a concern, the required pH adjustment could be reduced by using a higher air flow rate and / or higher temperatures.

Impacts
We have made progress in technical and procedural aspects of recovering nutrients and value from animal manure. As these systems are improved and others are developed, there will be more opportunities for producers to use manure in profitable ways that protects the environment.

Publications

• Liehr, S.K., J.J. Classen, F.J. Humenik (Deceased), C.L. Baird, and J.M. Rice, 2006. Ammonia Harvesting from Alternative Waste Management Systems for Air Quality Protection and Resource Recovery. Final report to the Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center, North Carolina State University.

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
Alternative Natural Technologies, Inc. (ANT) Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) was one of the projects selected for demonstration and evaluation as a candidate Environmentally Superior Technology for swine manure management under an agreement between the North Carolina Attorney General and Smithfield Foods, Premium Standard Farms and Frontline Farmers. The main objective of the technology performance verification was to determine the effectiveness of the system in terms of conversion or removal of solids, organic matter, nutrients, and metals. The ANT Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) wastewater treatment system was installed to treat half of the wastewater from 4,200 pigs in six confinement buildings. Whole wastewater with no solids separation is pumped into the reactor at the beginning of a cycle and is treated through several stages: Fill, React, Waste, Settle, and Decant. During the Fill stage, a portion of the reactor volume is replaced with fresh wastewater. The React stage consists of alternating aerated and non aerated conditions to promote nitrification and denitrification. Excess biomass is removed during the Waste stage while the reactor is mixed. After biomass wasting and a one hour settling period, clarified wastewater is removed from the reactor in the Decant stage and the cycle is repeated. The installation at the Hunt farm did not include a biosolids handling system so the excess biomass was sent to the lagoon as was the clarified wastewater for spray field application. Flow into and out of the SBR system was measured by in-line flow meters. Samples from various points in the system were analyzed for nutrients. Without disposing of biosolids, the SBR system was able to consistently achieve 83%, 64%, and 60% removal of TKN, COD, and suspended solids COD, respectively, under normal loading conditions. Including the planned biosolids handling system, the SBR system removed 90% of TKN, 84% of COD, and 90% of suspended solids COD under normal loading conditions. The major objectives of a project funded by Golden Leaf Foundation were to provide a methodology for conducting a business feasibility analysis for marketing value-added products derived from alternative swine manure treatment systems, to apply that methodology to several products identified with swine waste treatment systems, and to demonstrate the implementation of target costing and value engineering to an example product. The first product of the project was a seven step general problem solving process. Results showed that biomethanol from swine manure in eastern North Carolina might be a successful product if economics could be improved. The target costing and value engineering system was implemented for biomethanol and several aspects of the production system were identified for improvement.

Impacts
We have made progress in technical and procedural aspects of recovering nutrients and value from animal manure. As these systems are improved and others are developed, there will be more opportunities for producers to use manure in profitable ways that protects the environment.

Publications

• Chaiprapat, S., J. Cheng, J.J. Classen, and S.K. Liehr. 2005. Role of internal nutrient storage in duckweed growth for swine wastewater treatment. Transactions of the ASAE 48(6): 2247-2258.
• Humenik, F.J., K.D. Zering, A. Atkinson, J.M. Rice, S.K. Liehr, R. Sherman, J.J. Classen, Y. Chen, J. Anderson, G. Palin. 2005. Development of Marketable Products from Alternative Swine Manure Treatment Technologies. Final Report to the Golden Leaf Foundation.
• Classen, J.J. and S.K. Liehr. 2005. Alternative Natural Technologies Sequencing Batch Reactor Performance Verification. July 2005, 60 pg. In: Development of Environmentally Superior Technologies: Phase II Report for Technology Determinations per Agreements between the Attorney General of North Carolina and Smithfield Foods, Premium Standard Farms and Frontline Farmers.
• Bahe, A.R., J.J. Classen, and W. Williams, 2005. Antibiotic Resistance and the Environment: Current Science and Policy Concerns. White paper sponsored by the National Center for Manure and Animal Waste Management, published by MWPS (also available on CD), Ames, Iowa.30 pg.
• Bahe, A.R., J. Staveley, J.J. Classen, W. Williams, 2005. Emerging Environmental Contaminants: Current Science and Policy Concerns. White paper sponsored by the National Center for Manure and Animal Waste Management, published by MWPS (also available on CD), Ames, Iowa.28 pg.

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
Three cycles of hogs have been produced on the prototype under floor belt system for immediate separation of solids as defecated which is the best substrate or input for alternative by-product recovery processes. The belt serves 6 pens for a total of 18 hogs in each cycle. Over three growth cycles, the pigs produced 0.844 kg/hd/d feces at 67.3% moisture and 3.7 L/hd/d urine. Waste characterization showed 39% of the nitrogen and 90% of the phosphorus was in the solids. The overall average daily weight gain of the animals in the study was 0.95 kg/d compared to the industry average of 0.77 kg/d, reflecting fewer days required to reach market weight for the pigs in this study compared to the industry average of 110 to 120 days. This approximately 17% decrease in days on feed represents an important potential economic benefit of the system. It is unclear to what these benefits can be attributed: improved air quality and lower ammonia, the different ventilation system in the test building, or the extra daily human contact with technicians and students conducting the work. A full scale, commercial installation is required to further evaluate these gains. The important lesson so far is that the pigs did not suffer from the belt system installation. The Carbofil biological reactor is a type of down-draft reactor that uses impellers to entrain oxygen and increase the opportunity for that oxygen to dissolve in wastewater. The oxygen is used for oxidation of organic matter as well as for nitrification. The system flow scheme through an anoxic reactor provides opportunity for denitrification of nitrate formed in the aerobic reactor. A pilot scale reactor was constructed at a swine finishing farm near Faison, NC and evaluated over an eight week period to establish the potential of the system to efficiently remove ammonia and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from flushed swine wastewater. The odor reduction potential of the system was also evaluated. A total of 16 samples of influent and effluent were taken over the evaluation period and analyzed for chemical constituents. Separate samples were collected on four different occasions near the end of the project and analyzed for odor intensity, irritation intensity, and hedonic tone. Results showed 93% removal of ammonia, 91% removal of soluble Kjeldahl nitrogen, and almost 83% removal of soluble COD. As would be expected in an aerobic treatment system, odor intensity of the full strength effluent from the Carbofil reactor was 18% less than that of the anaerobic lagoon and irritation intensity was 37% lower for the reactor effluent than for the lagoon effluent. Analysis of diluted samples shows a rapid drop off in odor values in the effluent from the Carbofil reactor that did not occur with the lagoon effluent, suggesting the odor intensity and irritation intensity of the Carbofil reactor effluent are not as persistent as that of the lagoon effluent.

Impacts
As we learn more about how nutrients are transformed in collection and treatment systems, we will be able to minimize harmful environmental impacts while improving the recovery of valuable materials from animal waste streams.

Publications

• Classen, J.J. and S.S. Schiffman. 2004. Evaluation of the Carbofil International Downflow Tube Reactor for Treatment of Swine Waste. ASAE Paper No. 044031. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASAE
• Humenik, F.J., J.J. Classen, J.M. Rice, C.L. Baird, S.K. Liehr, and K.D. Zering. 2004. Belt System for Swine Waste Management. Proceedings of Integrated Solutions to Manure Management II, March 8-9, London, Ontario, Canada.
• Classen, J.J., F.J. Humenik, J.M. Rice, and C.L. Baird. 2004. Belt System for Swine Waste Management. Proceedings of Engineering the Future, the 2004 European Agricultural Engineering conference, September 12-16, Leuven, Belgium.

Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03

Outputs
Data analysis of the project to evaluate the InStream Lagoon Treatment System, a partially aerated lagoon, showed the system lowered the amount of nitrogen to be disposed by 42% compared to what would be expected on a similar farm using a conventional lagoon. Measurements of oxidation-reduction potential and dissolved oxygen indicating that the nitrogen lost was in the form of dinitrogen gas rather than ammonia were supported by analysis of gas samples colleted from the surface of the system. Gas samples were collected over several days and analyzed for dinitrogen and methane. Nitrogen emission data were collected for contamination from the atmosphere during sampling and for dinitrogen stripped from the liquid. Results of the analysis showed biological denitrification produced 150 kg N2 ha-1 d-1 when the aeration system was on and 32 kg N2 ha-1 d-1 when the aeration system was off. These results indicate stripping of dinitrogen was generally not a factor in this partially aerated system but may be an important factor in conventional lagoon systems. Two additional verification tests of solid separation technologies were completed as part of the USEPA Environmental Technology Verification program. Results showed different technologies perform differently and are subject to different problems. Three cycles of hogs have been produced on the prototype under floor belt system for immediate separation of solids as defecated which is the best substrate or input for alternative by-product recovery processes. The belt serves 6 pens for a total of 18 hogs in each cycle. Analysis of the growth data and manure production characteristics will be completed shortly.

Impacts
As we learn more about how nutrients are transformed in collection and treatment systems, we will be able to minimize harmful environmental impacts while improving the recovery of valuable materials from animal waste streams.

Publications

• Larsen, J.M., J.J. Classen, and S.K. Liehr. 2003. Dinitrogen Gas Collection Method for Lagoon Waste Treatment Systems. ASAE Paper No. 032248. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASAE
• Chaiprapat, S., J. Cheng, J.J. Classen, J.J. Ducoste, and S.K. Liehr. 2003. Modeling nitrogen transport in duckweed pond for secondary treatment of swine wastewater. Journal of Environmental Engineering 129(8):731-739.
• Classen, J.J., F.J. Humenik, and J.M. Rice. 2003. Solid Separation Equipment Verification Testing Protocol. Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on Animal, Agricultural, and Food Processing Waste, Oct. 13 15, Raleigh, North Carolina; p.472-479. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
• Gandy, S.R., J.J. Classen, and S.K. Liehr. 2003. Quicklime Stabilization of Belt-Separated Swine Manure Solids. ASAE Paper No. 032265. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASAE

Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02

Outputs
The data collection phase of the project to evaluate the InStream Lagoon Treatment System was completed. Although data analysis will continue, initial analysis shows the system was able to remove more nitrogen than a typical anaerobic lagoon. Measurements of oxidation-reduction potential and dissolved oxygen indicate the possibility that the nitrogen lost was in the form of dinitrogen gas rather than ammonia. Measuring N2 gas emissions from waste treatment systems is difficult because of problems associated with sampling and accurately estimating denitrification. This project supported the development and testing of a gas collection method that keeps atmospheric nitrogen contamination to a low level. Results of laboratory tests show that atmospheric contamination is controlled at a low level and that reliable quantification of dinitrogen is possible. The first verification test of a technology to separate solids from flushed swine solids was completed as part of the USEPA Environmental Technology Verification program. Results showed the solid bowl centrifuge was able to recover 56% of the suspended solids, 20% of the total nitrogen, and 42% of the total phosphorus in the influent waste stream. Tests of other technologies are in various planning stages. The prototype under floor belt system for immediate separation of solids as defecated which is the best substrate or input for alternative by-product recovery processes is now operational and adjustments are being made to improve its performance. The belt serves 6 pens for a total of 18 hogs. The goal of the current project is to collect all wasted solids including feed in the driest form possible and to obtain immediate separation of liquids to minimize odor and the conversion of urea in the urine to ammonia. The enzyme for converting urea to ammonia is in the feces so immediate liquid separation will minimize odor and ammonia emissions and provide for a high recovery of wasted nitrogen. Operation and evaluation of the prototype belt system has revealed improvements that can be made in the tracking and slope of the under floor belt, transfer of solids and liquids to treatment and storage units, animal pens including flooring and better feeders and drinking water devices to reduce the liquids and wasted feed collected on the belt.

Impacts
As we learn more about how nutrients are transformed in collection and treatment systems, we will be able to improve those systems to improve the recovery of valuable materials from animal waste streams.

Publications

• Cheng, J., B.A. Bergmann, J.J. Classen, A.M. Stomp, and J.W. Howard. 2002. Nutrient recovery from swine lagoon water by Spirodela punctata. Bioresource Technology 81(1): 81-85.
• Chaiprapat, S., J. Cheng, J.J. Classen, and S.K. Liehr. 2002. Role of Internal Nutrient Storage in Duckweed for Secondary Swine Wastewater Treatment. ASAE Paper No. 024130. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASAE.
• Environmental Technology Verification Water Quality Protection Center. 2002. Test Plan for the Verification of Technologies for Separation of Manure Solids from Flushed Swine Waste. Ann Arbor: NSF International.

Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01

Outputs
Several projects were initiated that will develop or test alternative animal waste treatment and management systems. The project to evalutae the In Stream Lagoon Treatment System was started. This system uses a low energy disk aerator / mixer to enhance oxygen transfer into the liquid and to circulate the contents of the lagoon. Data collected to date shows significant changes in the lagoon with respect to important parameters that show nitrification and denitrification are taking place in this system. Even though the system has been in place for over a year, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen concentration, and nitrate concentration were still changing during the late summer and fall months. Oxidation - reduction potential has been as high as 130 mV in several locations around the lagoon and nitrate concentrations have risen to above 100 mg/L. Analysis of gases collected from several locations in the system show both dinitrogen gas and methane are being generated. Methanogenesis and dentrification are taking place within the system, probably at different depths. The evaluation of a solid separation system and nitrification / denitrification reactor system was also initiated. Flow measurement and sample collection equipment has been ordered and will be installed during the spring. A system of laboratory reactors has been constructed and tested that will allow precise measurement of oxygen added and the measurement and analysis of gases produced by the biological treatment of animal waste. The purpose of this project is to determine the processes involved in the nitrogen removal in systems with low oxygen input.

Impacts
These projects will provide important information on the true capability of low aeration systems and how they can best be operated to reduce ammonia nitrogen emissions.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00

Outputs
n/a

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• No publications reported this period