Methods and Techniques for Measuring Gas Emissions from Agricultural and Animal Feeding Operations

Abstract

Emissions of gases from agricultural and animal feeding operations contribute to climate change, produce odors, degrade sensitive ecosystems, and pose a threat to public health. The complexity of processes and environmental variables affecting these emissions complicate accurate and reliable quantification of gas fluxes and production rates. Although a plethora of measurement technologies exist, each method has its limitations that exacerbate accurate quantification of gas fluxes. Despite a growing interest in gas emission measurements, only a few available technologies include real-time, continuous monitoring capabilities. Commonly applied state-of-the-art measurement frameworks and technologies were critically examined and discussed, and recommendations for future research to address real-time monitoring requirements for forthcoming regulation and management needs are provided.

Keywords:

• Chamber methods
• greenhouse gas emissions
• measurements
• micrometeorological methods
• regulations
• solid state sensors

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the USDA NIFA AFRI Air Quality Program under Competitive Grant no. 2010-85112-20524 and from the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES).