Developing Low-Cost Strategies for Monitoring Ammonia Concentrations and Emission Rates in Broiler-Hatching Egg Farms

Abstract: Ammonia gas (NH₃) is a contaminant of concern in poultry farms as elevated levels can impact worker, animal, environmental, and ecosystem health. Current commercial NH₃ measurement strategies suffer from poor accuracy, while expensive research-grade instruments can produce highly accurate measurements, but struggle with logistical operating issues in an agricultural setting. The present study developed a calibrated low-cost sensor system that can be used to monitor NH₃ concentrations in broiler hatching egg farms. Three solid polymer electrochemical sensors were paired with an Arduino Mega 2560 Rev3, an ESP-01 module, and a microSD card reader breakout. The sensor system was assessed in a laboratory setting at NH₃ concentrations ranging from 2 to 70 ppm. It was further evaluated on a commercial poultry farm in Alberta, Canada. The findings from this research will enable rapid real-time acquisition of NH₃ concentrations in poultry farms, allowing for more effective management of NH₃ levels.

Bio: Camille is an MSc student working in the Murphy Research Group. Her research interests include air quality monitoring, low-cost sensor development, and the effects of environmental factors on human health.

Zoom Link: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/87276245163
MeetingID: 872 7624 5163
Passcode: CHM1590Y 

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