Poultry house hydrogen sulphide emissions and impacts to neighbourhood environment in Yola, Nigeria

Abstract

Poultry houses are associated with the generation and release of air contaminants such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, methane among others. Specifically, hydrogen sulphide is known for causing Inflammation of the moist membranes of eyes and respiratory tract, olfactory neuron loss, and results in death at certain exposure rates. In Yola, there is a growing trend in the poultry farming. The emissions from the poultry houses need to be investigated. In the current work, hydrogen sulphide gas emission is measured in yepwa poultry house in Yola using GX 2009 portable multi – gas monitor detection device. Atmospheric statistical dispersion model is used to assess and validate the Hydrogen Sulphide emission behaviour and hence, its range of impact in the neighbourhood. Results show that the gas’s effect perimeter is highest among the category of matured birds (8 to 12 weeks old), extending beyond level 4 dispersion coverage. This indicates a dispersion radius of up to 500 m perimeter. The observed result is compared to calculated model values that demonstrated the result feasibility. The emission and dispersion quantities are found to be below threat limits according to established standard limits. However, the current work investigated an emission of H₂S for a 30,000 capacity birds. This may not be a well representative quantity and coverage. While this is a milestone in this field, investigating a larger quantity would highlight for more representation of poultry farming in the study area and beyond.