Attributing PM Sources within a Swine Production Facility via PMF Modeling of Particle Size Distribution Data

PRADEEP KUMAR, Seyit Uguz, Shalini Tiwari, Youwen Yang, Zonggang Li, Yuanhui Zhang, Xufei Yang, South Dakota State University

     Abstract Number: 629
     Working Group: Source Apportionment

Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) in swine production environments poses significant respiratory health risks to both animals and human workers. However, the relative contributions of specific PM sources remain inadequately characterized. This study quantified PM concentrations and particle size distributions (PSDs) in a wean-to-finish swine production room and a farm office using a GRIMM 11-D optical particle counter (OPC) during both summer and winter seasons. Source apportionment was conducted using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) based on the PSD data. Results indicated that concentrations of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, and total suspended particles (TSP) were highest in the production room during winter and lowest in the office during summer. PMF modeling effectively identified and quantified key PM sources across all scenarios. The dominant contributors included feed handling, animal activity, ventilation systems, and infiltration of outdoor air. To enhance source characterization, supplementaryques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Ion Chromatography (IC) were employed. Furthermore, a modified OPC-N3 sensor was evaluated as a low-cost alternative to the GRIMM OPC for PM monitoring, demonstrating promising utility for field applications. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of PM sources and seasonal dynamics within swine production facilities, offering valuable insights for targeted mitigation strategies and air quality management.