Trends of Livestock-related NH3, CH4, N2O and PM Emissions in Greece

Abstract

It is well established that the livestock sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia (NH 3 ) emissions. In this paper, the evolution of livestock NH 3 , methane (CH 4 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and particulate matter (PM) emissions is presented for the period 1960-2005 in Greece and the factors influencing the emission fluxes (such as livestock population changes, manure management systems in use) are examined and analyzed. Emission estimates are based on the updated EMEP/ CORINAIR methodology together with the revised IPCC guidelines; newly published, Greece-specific emission factors are used. The emissions level from livestock is evaluated and compared with the corresponding emissions from other anthropogenic sources in Greece. Geographical analysis concerning the distribution of animals and the subsequent NH 3 emissions is performed. Main results indicate high levels of emissions from 1960 to 1995, while emissions from 1995 to 2005 show a stabilizing trend.

Old and New Air Pollutants: An Evaluation on Thirty Years Experiences

“…According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization recent research findings, livestock are responsible for almost two thirds of anthropogenic NH3 emissions that contribute significantly to acid rain and acidification of ecosystems (Sidiropoulos & Tsilingiridis, 2009;EMEP/CORINAIR, 2007). Following deposition, soil microbes can convert ammonia into acidic compounds by nitrification.…”

“…Solvent use and road transport are the two most significant sources of NMVOC emissions in urban environments. (Sidiropoulos C, 2009) but Today the major contributions of NMVOCs anthropogenic emissions are ascribed primarily to vehicular traffic. Adverse operating conditions of the vehicle (low speed, repeated gear changes, and frequent stops to a minimum) as those due to heavy traffic have resulted in greater emission of unburned hydrocarbons.…”

Monitoring particulate matter levels and climate conditions in a Greek sheep and goat livestock building

“…Livestock buildings are regarded as a major source of air pollutants (Erisman et al 2008;Goetz et al 2008;Lammel et al 2004;Seedorf 2004;Sidiropoulos and Tsilingiridis 2009). Considerable quantities of particulate matter (PM), ammonia, odors and other toxic substances are released during the farming activities that take place indoors, affecting animal and human health and welfare.…”

“…In Greece, the work carried out by Sidiropoulos and Tsilingiridis (2009) is the first study that has examined the contribution of Greek livestock production to ambient PM levels. Additionally, Erisman et al (2008) underlined that the PM emissions from the livestock sector should be examined on a local scale (spatial resolution at least 1 × 1 km 2 ) so as to quantify PM emissions from animal housing systems and to assess their role to the degradation of air quality.…”

“…It is worth mentioning that studies focused on sheep can be rarely found in literature. Additionally, sheep is the second most important animal category within the Greek livestock sector and its population has increased 50% during the last three decades (Sidiropoulos and Tsilingiridis 2009). Therefore, such an analysis could be helpful to environmental, agricultural and medical managers, to market agents and of course to farmers, so as to plan their short-and long-term strategies towards mitigating PM levels in livestock buildings.…”