MONITORING POLLUTION LEVEL AND MICROCLIMATE CONDITIONS IN A NATURALLY VENTILATED LIVESTOCK BUILDING USING OPEN-SOURCE DEVICE

Air pollution from agricultural sector can have an adverse effect on the microclimate of the rural regions and the adjacent ecosystems. For that reason in the present study ammonia concentration, temperature and relative humidity were monitored in a naturally ventilated organic laying hen house in Northern Greece. Measurements were performed at three sampling points by using open source device technology and compatible sensors during a 12-day period in spring. Ammonia concentrations were sometimes high but the vast majority of the measurements did not exceed 25 ppm. Large diurnal variations in ammonia concentrations, temperature and relative humidity were observed between daytime and nighttime due to the temperature decrease and reduction of animal activity. The diurnal ammonia concentrations among sampling points showed slight differences between the two sampling points near the side openings of the building. Noticeable decrease was observed in diurnal ammonia concentrations at the third sampling point due to its position in the middle of the naturally ventilated construction below air vents. Results illustrate the reliability of cost efficient and simple open source device technology, rendering it a useful tool to monitor pollutant gases concentrations and various microclimatic conditions within naturally ventilated poultry houses and to provide essential background information.