Ammonia (NH₃) emissions from livestock manure represent a significant environmental challenge and contribute substantially to atmospheric nitrogen pollution. In dairy farming, only a small fraction of nitrogen from feed is converted into milk, while a large proportion is excreted through urine and faeces. When these components mix, chemical reactions rapidly generate ammonia emissions.
Researchers at a major university in Italy sought to better understand and quantify ammonia emissions generated by dairy cattle excreta under controlled conditions. Their research aimed to evaluate how different conditions — such as temperature and exposure time — influence NH₃ fluxes and whether separating urine and faeces could significantly reduce emissions. To achieve reliable results, the research team required an analyzer capable of:
The team also needed expert technical support to help implement the monitoring methodology and integrate the measurement system into their experimental design.
The customer selected the ENVEA PAS Sense 1512 Photoacoustic Gas Monitor, a highly sensitive analyzer widely recognized for its performance in environmental and agricultural emission measurements. The PAS Sense 1512 provided the researchers with the ability to measure ammonia emissions directly in the field using a dynamic accumulation chamber system developed for the experiment. The analyzer’s photoacoustic infrared detection technology enabled highly accurate measurements even at very low concentration levels, which is essential for studying ammonia fluxes from manure sources. In addition to the instrument itself, ENVEA’s local partner Airnova provided comprehensive technical support throughout the project, including:
This collaborative approach allowed the research team to quickly implement their measurement setup and begin collecting high-quality data. The system enabled researchers to monitor ammonia emissions from:
under different temperature conditions and exposure periods, providing valuable insights into emission dynamics.
Using the ENVEA PAS Sense 1512, the university team successfully conducted advanced research into ammonia emissions from dairy cattle excreta, leading to significant scientific findings.
Key benefits of the ENVEA PAS Sense 1512 included:
High measurement sensitivity and accuracy
The PAS Sense 1512 allowed researchers to measure very low ammonia concentrations with excellent repeatability, ensuring reliable emission data.
Effective field deployment
The analyzer worked seamlessly with a customdesigned accumulation chamber system, enabling direct measurements under realistic experimental conditions.
Comprehensive technical support
Step-by-step assistance from AirNova ensured rapid system setup, correct analyzer configuration, and efficient operation throughout the project.
Valuable scientific results
The measurements contributed to published research demonstrating that separating urine and faeces can significantly reduce ammonia emissions, while warmer temperatures increase NH3 volatilization.
The success of the project highlights the importance of reliable measurement technology in environmental research and demonstrates how ENVEA solutions support scientific studies aimed at reducing agricultural emissions and improving sustainability in livestock production.
Learn more about our PAS Sense technology.
