Summary

This project will trial a relatively new technology, Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry, SIFT-MS, to determine its suitability for real-time identification and quantification of the odorants within broiler shed emissions over time and space. Such data is currently lacking, yet necessary for developing better odour abatement strategies, assessment methods and odour dispersion models.

SIFT-MS allows rapid, real time measurement of volatile organic compounds and certain inorganic gases, including ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, to sub-part per billion levels. SIFT-MS requires no sample preparation and can provide near-real time, on-site analysis. By eliminating sample storage, transport and analysis delays, VOCs could be more accurately quantified and the composition of shed emissions could be characterised and quantified 24/7.

The SIFT-MS will be leased for a month and deployed at various broiler farms in SE Queensland to gather a number of relevant datasets for critical evaluation and comparison to other measurements including GC-MS, Olfactometry and Artificial Olfaction System data.

Program

Chicken Meat

Research Organisation

The State of Queensland acting through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Objective Summary

• Determine suitability of SIFT-MS for poultry emissions monitoring and odour characterisation
• Assemble comprehensive VOC database from SIFT-MS sampling at various broiler farms in SE Queensland
• Critically compare in-shed and downwind VOC data to determine key odorants
• Critically compare in-shed SIFT-MS data and non-selective sensor array data from the current Artificial Olfaction System (AOS)