Improving the forecast of fine dust emission and transmission from cattle barns: a comprehensive data package and analysis

Abstract The livestock sector emits harmful gases and bioaerosols, impacting animals, plants, and human health. Ventilation systems in livestock buildings disperse polluted air, affecting nearby air quality depending on the wind patterns and atmospheric stability. Understanding pollutant emission and transmission is crucial for environmental mitigation. This study focuses on fine dust dispersion from dairy cattle buildings. Chemical and microscopic analyses were conducted to identify the cattle barn dust sources. Particle mass emissions were quantified by measuring particle mass concentrations and air volume flow using the tracer gas decay method. Seasonal and daily effects on dust emissions were studied. Remarkably, particle emissions remained below prescribed values in Germany. Additionally, particle transmission, including resuspension and adsorption parameters, was investigated using a developed wind tunnel. Resuspension measurements revealed minimal resuspended particle mass due to low ground wind speeds. Notably, wheat, as a model plant, exhibited high adsorption rates, which increased with particle size. Overall, the findings for resuspension and adsorption parameters provide an initial database for understanding fine dust transmission from cattle barns.