Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Thesis (UNI Access Only)
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine if confined hog production facilities (CHPFs) pose a threat to nearby residents through the emissions of particulate matter and ammonia. Ambient air quality is essential to the quality of life of every population, determining risks from pollutant exposure is essential to maintaining good ambient air quality. Particulate matter and ammonia concentration data was collected in the field, over a six day period. Additionally, environmental data such as ambient air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were collected. All of this data was used in Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses to determine any relationships between the variables. An average particulate matter emissions rate was calculated from the particulate matter concentration data using an equation supplied by Dr. Thomas Peters from the University of Iowa’s Occupational and Environmental Health Department. Lastly, dispersion models were created using the average particulate matter emissions rate data, to provide a predictor for exposure risk. Twenty three models were created, with six showing concentration values above a reference concentration based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 24 hour standard for particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) (EPA, 2024a). It was concluded that there was no risk of exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above the reference concentration, past 250 meters downwind of a CHPF.
Year of Submission
2025
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Department of Geography
First Advisor
Andrey Petrov
Date Original
5-2025
Object Description
1 PDF (x, 81 pages)
Copyright
©2025 Benjamin David Lynch
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Lynch, Benjamin David, "Exploratory Research on Particulate Matter and Ammonia Concentration Downwind from Confined Hog Production Facilities" (2025). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 2279.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/2279
