Animal Wastewater Lagoons

Animal Wastewater Lagoons

The three threats to animal wastewater lagoons are gas emissions, pathogen propagation, and odor. The Saturn Disc Aquatic Float is a versatile solution that not only resolves these threats, but is also environmentally friendly and recyclable.

The Saturn Disc Aquatic Float prevents the following:

  • Gas Emissions -The Saturn Disc Aquatic Float reduces gas emissions by 95%. This is not only environmentally friendly, but safety is increased by not releasing hazardous gases such as ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) into the atmosphere.
  • Contaminant and Pathogen Propagation – There are more than 150 pathogens found in manure lagoons including Cryptosporidium and E. coli. It is important to contain these dangerous pathogens by shielding the surface of the lagoon. The Saturn Disc Aquatic Float offers superior wind resistance and surface coverage which means that these pathogens will not be carried by the wind through debris.
  • Odor – Animal wastewater lagoons are known to produce strong ambient odors through its emissions of hydrogen sulfide gas and the decomposition of organic matter. Not only are these odors unpleasant, but they represent substantial risks to society including increased cases of asthma. Odors from CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) can be smelled from as far as 5 or 6 miles away, although 3 miles is more common.

Animal Wastewater Statistics

2.3 Million

Tons of methane produced by lagoons annually

300

Once ammonia has been volatilized, it can travel as far as 300 miles away.

150

More than 150 pathogens are found in manure.

80%

of ammonia emissions come from livestock production.

Gas Emissions

Gas emissions are a very serious problem for animal wastewater lagoons. There are over 400 volatile compounds released from animal wastewater lagoons including: 

Ammonia – In the United States, 80 percent of ammonia emissions come from livestock production. A lagoon can vaporize up to 80 percent of its nitrogen through the reaction: NH4+-N -> NH3 + H+. As pH or temperature increases, so does the amount of volatilized ammonia. Once ammonia has been volatilized, it can travel as far as 300 miles, and at closer ranges it is a respiratory irritant. Acidification and eutrophication of the ecosystem surrounding the lagoons could be caused by prolonged exposure to volatilized ammonia. This volatilized ammonia has been implicated in widespread ecological damage in Europe and is of growing concern for the United States.

Hydrogen sulfide – With averages greater than 30ppb, lagoons have high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, which is highly toxic. A study by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has found that concentrations of Hydrogen sulfide near lagoons have exceeded the state standard, even as far away as 4.9 miles. Hydrogen sulfide is recognizable for its unpleasant rotten-egg odor. Because hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air, it tends to linger around lagoons even after ventilation.

Methane – Methane is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas, which is fatal at high levels. Lagoons produce about 2,300,000 metric tonnes per year, with around 40 percent of this number coming from swine lagoons. Methane is combustible at high temperatures and explosions and fires are a real threat at, or near, lagoons. Additionally, methane is a potent greenhouse gas. The U.S. EPA estimated that 13 percent of all the methane emissions came from livestock manure in 1998, and this number has grown in recent years.

Typical pollutants found in air surrounding CAFOs

CAFO Emissions 

Source 

Traits 

Health Risks
Ammonia Formed when microbes decompose undigested organic nitrogen compounds in manure Colorless, sharp pungent odor Respiratory irritant, chemical burns to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes, severe cough, chronic lung disease
Hydrogen Sulfide Anaerobic bacterial decomposition of protein and other sulfur containing organic matter Odor of rotten eggs Inflammation of the moist membranes of eye and respiratory tract, olfactory neuron loss, death
Methane Microbial degradation of organic matter under anaerobic conditions Colorless, odorless, highly flammable Is a greenhouse gas and contributes to climate change

Odor

Animal wastewater lagoons are known to produce strong ambient odors through its emissions of hydrogen sulfide gas and the decomposition of organic matter. Not only are these odors unpleasant, but they represent substantial risks to society including increased cases of asthma. Odors from CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) can be smelled from as far as 5 or 6 miles away, although 3 miles is more common. 

Pathogen Propagation

There are more than 150 pathogens found in manure lagoons including Cryptosporidium and E. coli. It is important to contain these dangerous pathogens by shielding the surface of the lagoon. The Saturn Disk Aquatic Float offers superior wind resistance and surface coverage which means that these pathogens will not be carried by the wind through debris.

Other Common Pathogens In Wastewater Lagoons

Other common pathogens (and their symptoms) include:

  • Bacillus anthracis, otherwise known as Anthrax (skin sores, headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting)
  • Leptospira pomona (abdominal pain, muscle pain, vomiting, fever).
  • Listeria monocytogenes (fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
  • Salmonella (abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, chills, fever, headache)
  • Clostridium tetani (violent muscle spasms, lockjaw, difficulty breathing)
  • Histoplasma capsulatum (fever, chills, muscle ache, cough rash, joint pain and stiffness)
  • Microsporum and Trichophyton Ringworm (itching, rash)
  • Giardia lamblia (abdominal pain, abdominal gas, nausea, vomiting, fever)
  • Cryptosporidium (diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, abdominal cramping)
  • Pfiesteria piscicida (neurological damage)[13]

Conservation

  • The Saturn Disc Aquatic Float reduces the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane, resulting in a GREENER, more sustainable tomorrow.
  • The Saturn Disc Aquatic Float is fully RECYCLABLE and REUSABLE! Depending on the condition of the floats, they can be 100% recycled. They can also be used in short-term applications since the floats are easily removable and transportable.

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