36 / 2025-03-31 14:32:51

Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Environmental Interactions of Particulate Matter in a Closed Swine Barn

Particulate Matter (PM),Spatiotemporal Distribution,Pig House Air Quality,Environmental factors

1. 畜禽集约化养殖与可持续发展 > （4）养殖业的废气和颗粒物减排

Particulate matter (PM) in pig houses poses significant health risks to both animals and workers, while contributing to environmental pollution. Understanding its spatiotemporal distribution and environmental interactions is essential for optimizing indoor air quality and advancing intelligent, welfare-oriented farming systems. This study utilized the airQ sensor system for continuous winter monitoring of PM (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM1), temperature, and relative humidity in a closed pig house in Germany. Measurements were taken at four key locations: the entrance-side, the end of the barn, the ventilation outlet, and on the corridor outside the pig area as control. Results showed that PM concentrations increased with particle size, following the trend PM₁₀ > PM_2.5> PM₁. PM levels exhibited periodic fluctuations, with the highest and most stable concentrations occurring at the ventilation outlet, while at other locations PM levels were more influenced by daily activities, peaking during the day and declining at night correlating with pig activity. The spatial distribution of PM was consistent across size fractions, with the highest concentrations at the ventilation outlet, followed by the barn end, the entrance-side, and the control corridor. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation with humidity and a moderate negative correlation with temperature, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions and pig house operations on PM dynamics. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of digitalized monitoring, precision ventilation, and intelligent environmental control strategies to enhance air quality, improve animal welfare, and reduce occupational health risks in modern pig farming systems.