KOR

e-Article

Differences in fine dust emissions based on bedding type and quantity in horse stables
Document Type
Article
Source
(2023): 917-925.
Subject
Language
Korean
ISSN
24662402
Abstract
Efforts for developing the domestic horse industry in South Korea are evident through the various national policies. Proper management of stables for ensuring the health of horses is essential to sustain the growing equine industry. This study aimed to measure the fine dust emissions in stables based on the type and quantity of bedding used for horses, for establishing guidelines pertaining to bedding use in stables. The stables accommodated 12 horses. Sawdust, wood shavings, wood pellet, and straw were chosen as treatments. Three different quantities (approximately 3, 6, and 9 cm in height) were applied for each type. Fine dust measurements were carried out at three time points, with each measuring period lasting for approximately three weeks. Measurements included PM2.5 and PM10 fine dust levels. The initial analysis revealed that, sawdust with 9 cm bedding had the highest dust levels; approximately 54.6 μg/m3, for PM2.5 and 95.3 μg/m3, for PM10. Sawdust bedding at the highest quantity (9 cm) exhibited significantly higher initial fine dust emissions. These findings suggest that bedding materials with smaller particle size, such as sawdust and wood shavings, tend to produce finer dust. Initially, the fine dust emissions decreased in all bedding types and quantities, possibly due to the increased moisture content of bedding owing to horse manure production. However, emissions increased subsequently due to ammonia production.
Efforts for developing the domestic horse industry in South Korea are evident through the various national policies. Proper management of stables for ensuring the health of horses is essential to sustain the growing equine industry. This study aimed to measure the fine dust emissions in stables based on the type and quantity of bedding used for horses, for establishing guidelines pertaining to bedding use in stables. The stables accommodated 12 horses. Sawdust, wood shavings, wood pellet, and straw were chosen as treatments. Three different quantities (approximately 3, 6, and 9 cm in height) were applied for each type. Fine dust measurements were carried out at three time points, with each measuring period lasting for approximately three weeks. Measurements included PM2.5 and PM10 fine dust levels. The initial analysis revealed that, sawdust with 9 cm bedding had the highest dust levels; approximately 54.6 μg/m3, for PM2.5 and 95.3 μg/m3, for PM10. Sawdust bedding at the highest quantity (9 cm) exhibited significantly higher initial fine dust emissions. These findings suggest that bedding materials with smaller particle size, such as sawdust and wood shavings, tend to produce finer dust. Initially, the fine dust emissions decreased in all bedding types and quantities, possibly due to the increased moisture content of bedding owing to horse manure production. However, emissions increased subsequently due to ammonia production.