A Comparative Analysis of Methods for Determining Odour-Related Separation Distances around a Dairy Farm in Beijing, China

Abstract

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) such as dairy farms are a source of odorous compound emissions. In this study, by identifying relevant odour sources within a 300-head dairy farm and quantifying their emissions, we determined the separation distances to avoid odour annoyance around the dairy farm with two empirical models (Austrian and German Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI) model) and a dispersion model (AERMOD). Besides, this study ponders on the selection of an appropriate meteorological station that best represents the area surrounding the farm. Results show that the maximum separation distances of an exceedance probability of P = 15% determined by the two empirical and the dispersion models are 524 m, 440 m and 655 m, while the minimum values are 202 m, 135 m, and 149 m, respectively. The NE–SW stretching separation distances match well with the wind rose. The mean ratios of separation distances determined by the two empirical models to that of the dispersion model are 1.23 and 0.95. Moreover, statistics of the separation distances indicate good accordance between the empirical models and the dispersion model.

Determination of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from a commercial dairy farm with an exercise yard and the health-related impact for residents

“…1 ). The detailed description of the site, the surroundings of the farm, and the topography of the area have been presented in a previous study (Wu et al 2019 ). Briefly, the terrain around the farm is mostly flat, and the land is mainly used for farming.…”

“…The primary inputs to AERMOD were the NH 3 and H 2 S emissions (on an hourly basis as previously described) and meteorological data. Regarding the latter, the selection of an appropriate meteorological station that best represents the area surrounding the farm has been recently presented in Wu et al ( 2019 ). For brevity, the reader is referred to this work for a complete description of the meteorological input data.…”

Assessment of the Effects of Wastewater Treatment Plant Modernization by Means of the Field Olfactometry Method

“…A commonly used procedure to avoid odor annoyance makes use of separation distances between emission sources and residential areas. Therefore, good planning is a key factor in reducing the occurrence of incompatible land uses near odor-emitting facilities [3].…”

How Can Odors Be Measured? An Overview of Methods and Their Applications

“…This project proposes a holistic approach, based on the cooperation of key stakeholders (citizens, regional and local authorities, industries, and odor experts) for the mapping and co-design of solutions, to researching, building, and suggesting an appropriate regulatory framework. Recognizing the lack of information about odor pollution and management as a limit for the successful adoption of citizen science for the management of odor problems, this review paper was conceived within the H2020 D-NOSES project with the purpose of raising awareness about odor pollution and providing a scientific background concerning odor impact assessment methods, which can be used by experienced as well as non-experienced users.This paper presents an overview of the methods that can be used for odor measurement, thereby excluding odor impact assessment techniques based on mathematical methods (i.e., dispersion models) or literature evaluations.Indeed, dispersion models have become increasingly popular for odor impact assessment purposes over the last 20 years [12][13][14][15], and most European regulations on odor impacts are based on modelling approaches [16,17]. The decision to exclude odor dispersion models from the present overview is because there is already extensive literature on the matter [18][19][20], and because the specific goal of this review paper was to provide an exhaustive answer to the question: "How can odors be measured?…”

“…Indeed, dispersion models have become increasingly popular for odor impact assessment purposes over the last 20 years [12][13][14][15], and most European regulations on odor impacts are based on modelling approaches [16,17]. The decision to exclude odor dispersion models from the present overview is because there is already extensive literature on the matter [18][19][20], and because the specific goal of this review paper was to provide an exhaustive answer to the question: "How can odors be measured?…”